Ali Riley Reflects on Injury and Retirement in Farewell Match

Pasadena, California – Ali Riley, captain of New Zealand’s national soccer team and star player for Angel City FC, is set to play her farewell match on Sunday after a remarkable career. At 37, she retires following five World Cup campaigns, four Olympic Games, and over 160 international caps.

Riley’s journey has been anything but easy. After suffering a chronic nerve injury earlier this year, she faced a difficult battle to return to the field. “I went into a 50-50, landed awkwardly, and I just felt burning down my whole left leg,” Riley described her injury from 2023. The pain was excruciating, making daily tasks unbearable. “For months I couldn’t walk,” she added.

Despite the setbacks, Riley returned to Angel City’s matchday squad in August. However, she hasn’t yet played in a game since her return, remaining an unused substitute. Fans hope to see her play at least a few minutes on Sunday. “I can perform, I can train, and I get to be with my team. But physically and emotionally, I can’t do this for longer than probably another couple of games,” Riley remarked.

This past year has also seen Riley undergo two rounds of IVF, adding to the emotional strain while managing her injury. She advocates for more awareness around motherhood and infertility among female athletes. “I really hope that we get even more support,” she expressed. “Women can do anything if we are given the support and the resources.”

Riley’s challenges expanded further when her childhood home in the Pacific Palisades burned down in January’s wildfires. Reflecting on the loss, she said, “I’m so lucky to have grown up in a place like the Palisades.”

Despite the hardships, Riley remains optimistic. She got married just three days after her injury incident and credits her husband, Lucas, with helping her through tough times. “I don’t know what I would do without Lucas. He’s really been the one to help me get out of the house,” she shared.

As Riley prepares to leave the sport, she reflects on the impact of her career in women’s soccer. “Being part of Angel City has been the best part of my career,” she said. “To come home, I think it’s what so many athletes dream of.”

Looking ahead, Riley has plans for a future that includes media involvement and a desire to advocate for women’s sports. “I want to be part of this insane growth of women’s sports, especially women’s football,” she stated.