Ali Riley to Retire After Stellar Soccer Career

Auckland, New Zealand — Ali Riley, the standout soccer player who led New Zealand to its first Women’s World Cup victory, has announced her retirement at the end of the season. The announcement comes as Riley, who has made significant contributions to women’s soccer, prepares to step away from the field.

Riley, known for her enthusiasm and positivity, has made five Olympic teams and played in four major leagues globally. Kelley O’Hara, Riley’s former teammate at Stanford, praised her character, saying, ‘She always brought enthusiasm and positivity to every locker room and every field she was on.’

During the 2023 World Cup in Auckland, Riley faced criticism from local journalists prior to her first match. After leading the team to victory, she confronted them with grace, stating, ‘I bet you guys are surprised.’ This moment showcases her resilience and ability to rise above challenges.

Born to a New Zealand father, Riley made a name for herself despite never being invited to the U.S. national team training camp. She received a tryout with the New Zealand national team after her father sent a highlight reel to Auckland. With 163 international caps, she stands as one of the country’s most celebrated athletes.

Riley’s professional journey took her to leagues in England, Germany, and Sweden, where she also obtained citizenship. In January 2025, she married former Swedish player Lucas Nilsson, just days after her childhood home burned in a wildfire.

Despite a chronic nerve injury that has sidelined her for the past 16 months, Riley aims to play at least one more game for Angel City FC before retirement. ‘It would be such an amazing final milestone to achieve,’ she expressed.

Looking forward to life after soccer, Riley is eager to explore broadcasting, leverage her platform for community support, and pursue health coaching. ‘It’s a privilege to say you got to go until the wheels fell off,’ she said. ‘Knowing that I can’t keep doing this long-term has made this the easiest decision.’