Lieke Martens announced her retirement from [professional football](https://womenfootball.blog) on Monday, September 1. The Dutch international, aged 32, played for top clubs such as FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
Last year, Martens retired from the Dutch national team and a few months later announced her pregnancy. After welcoming her son in February, she said: “Everything needs to be perfect if I want to continue with football. I don’t know if that perfect picture will come.”
Her contract with PSG ended this summer, and although several clubs expressed interest in signing her for the final stage of her career, Martens decided it was time to step away from the game.
Martens rose to international stardom at the UEFA Women’s EURO 2017 on home soil, where she became one of the most recognized players in women’s football. After winning the European Championship, she was named UEFA Women’s Player of the Year, featured in the FIFPro World XI, and collected several other individual awards.
In 2019, Martens reached the FIFA Women’s World Cup final with the Netherlands, ultimately losing to the United States. She made a total of 160 appearances for the [Oranje Leeuwinnen](https://www.onsoranje.nl/OranjeLeeuwinnen) before retiring from international football in June 2024.
Before joining PSG, Martens spent five years at FC Barcelona. With the Catalan club, she won two league titles and played a decisive role in their 2021 Champions League triumph. Her two goals against Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinal helped Barça reach the final, where they went on to defeat Chelsea.
Earlier in her career, Martens also represented sc Heerenveen, VVV Venlo, Standard Liège, FCR 2001 Duisburg, BK Häcken, and FC Rosengård.
“As a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a professional footballer, something that barely even existed at the time. I could never have imagined how far that dream would take me. Last year I waved goodbye to the national team and now I’ve decided myself to retire from club football as well. Despite having several great opportunities to continue, I’ve chosen to step away from the game I love so much and close this chapter of my career.
Playing for fantastic clubs across Europe and representing my country 160 times has been an amazing honor. Every match, every moment on the pitch is a memory I will cherish forever. Football has given me unforgettable experiences, but more than that, it has shaped me into the person I am today. Now, the time feels right to take this decision. My greatest priority is to be the best mother I can be to Lowen and I am excited to embrace all that lies ahead.
“None of this would have been possible without the love and support of so many people: my family, my friends, my teammates, the staff who guided me and the fans who stood by me unconditionally. I am deeply grateful to each and every one of you.
“Football will always hold a special place in my heart and I will continue to watch with pride as the women’s game grows and inspires new generations. Just as it inspired me.
“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being part of my journey.”