LOS ANGELES — Sydney Leroux, a former U.S. Women’s National Team standout and current Angel City FC forward, announced she is stepping away from professional soccer to focus on her mental health.
In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram on Sunday, March 16, the 34-year-old athlete acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, writing, “This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to say or admit to myself. But after a lot of reflection, I’ve made the difficult decision to stay away from soccer for my mental health.”
Leroux emphasized her identity as a fighter — someone who has always taken pride in perseverance and resilience — but said this time, self-care must come first. “I owe it to myself and my children to take a step back and take care of me,” she wrote. Leroux is the mother of two — son Cassius, 8, and daughter Roux, 5 — whom she shares with former husband and fellow professional soccer player Dom Dwyer.
Maintaining her trademark transparency, Leroux added, “I’ve always prided myself on being honest, authentic and true to who I am both on and off the field — and this moment is no different.” She assured supporters that this is not a farewell: “This isn’t goodbye. I will be back, just like always, in true Syd fashion.”
In her Instagram caption, Leroux addressed speculation surrounding her break. “Taking a break from soccer to focus on my mental health was a really tough decision, but I know it’s the best choice,” she wrote. “Also I know some of you can get a little carried away so I wanted to squash the pregnancy rumors right away — I’ll be back just like always.”
Angel City FC, where Leroux has played since 2022 following a trade from the Orlando Pride, voiced its support. “Your Angel City family is here for you and supports you always,” the club wrote in response to her announcement.
In October 2024, Angel City confirmed Leroux had signed a new three-year contract, extending her tenure through 2027. At the time, Leroux reflected on her evolving role in the sport. “The older I get, the more my role changes,” she told ESPN. “I really pushed through this year. I was able to show myself that I can still do this.”
She also noted that her children’s encouragement played a part in her decision to continue playing. “I was thinking about retiring. And my kids want me to play. I’m doing this for them, and I’m doing this for me,” she said. “I want to end somewhere that I started, and this is it. My career will definitely end in LA.”
Leroux expressed appreciation for her team’s confidence in her, adding, “I feel like I still have a lot to give. Help out wherever I can. I love working with the younger players — that’s been a highlight of this year for me. We have an amazing group.”
While no timeline has been set for her return, Leroux made it clear she plans to come back to the pitch. For now, her focus is on healing — a move that has drawn widespread support from fans, teammates, and the broader soccer community.
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