Hannah Wilkinson, New Zealand’s World Cup Star, Retires At 32

New Zealand’s long-serving striker Hannah Wilkinson announced her retirement at the age of 32 on Wednesday, bringing an end to her 14-year career.

Wilkinson scored the only goal in her nation’s lone win at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as The Football Ferns beat former champions Norway 1-0 in front of their home fans at Auckland’s Eden Park.

The striker announced her retirement in a lengthy statement on Instagram sharing several photos from her playing career. Wilkinson started her career in the American college system before playing for clubs in Sweden, Portugal, Germany and Australia.

Wilkinson most recently played club football for A-League team Melbourne City, parting ways with them at the end of her contract in June. She ended her three-year stay at the club as their all-time leading scorer with 30 goals in 51 appearances.

Wilkinson, who made her debut for New Zealand in 2010, said “it’s not exactly the way I wanted to go out,” referring to her omission from the Olympic squad for the Paris Games in July.

“I expected to wear the Fern for the final time at the Olympic Games in Paris, hoping to help redeem our disappointing early Women’s World Cup exit last year,” Wilkinson said.

“Blood, sweat, tears, puke (food poisoning at the qualifiers 👍🏻) and pure grit to really make this a good, final one. Instead, I found myself on an impromptu French holiday, thankfully with family, and thankfully with many Aperol Spritzes,” she added.

“In professional sport, there is only so much you can control. An opinion, sometimes without rational explanation, happens. That opinion doesn’t define me. I did let it for a little bit. That was a dark space. However, with time, I recognized what a fallacy that is.

“14 years representing Aotearoa, 3 Olympic Games, 4 World Cups, and playing careers in the US, Sweden, Portugal, Germany and Australia. So many goals with so many celebrations. Medals, trophies, achievements, personal and team. That is what defines me.”

ForbesWomen’s World Cup: Romi Studio Launches Exhibition With Hannah Wilkinson Among The ArtistsBy Manasi Pathak

Wilkinson, one of New Zealand’s most-capped players, scored 32 goals in 125 internationals.

She said football shaped her life and thanked the coaches and fans for their support. The 32-year-old added that she is “excited” for the next chapter of her life, suggesting she would focus on her artistic interests.

“The boots are hung up, but the canvases, the walls, are out and ready. I’ve never felt more alive in my creative space, and I’m so amped to see what manifests,” she concluded.