American Ghanaian Gyasi Zardes retires from football

Two-time MLS Cup champion and former United States international Gyasi Zardes has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 35.

Zardes confirmed his decision on Sunday, bringing an end to a 13-year career in which he established himself as one of the most experienced forwards in Major League Soccer and earned 68 caps for the USMNT.

The striker scored 106 goals in 328 MLS appearances, while adding 14 goals for the United States during his international career.

“It’s officially time ⁠to announce my retirement from professional soccer,” Zardes posted on X. “Thank you to my family, teammates, coaches, staff, organizations, agents, friends, fans, and everyone who has been part of this journey. Forever grateful for it all.”

Zardes began his professional career with the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2013 and quickly became an important part of the club’s attack.

His time in Los Angeles produced the first major trophy of his career when the Galaxy won the MLS Cup in 2014.

He remained with the club until 2017 before moving to the Columbus Crew, where he would enjoy another successful spell.

Two MLS Cup triumphs

Zardes played a central role in Columbus’ MLS Cup-winning campaign in 2020, securing his second league championship six years after lifting the trophy with the Galaxy.

His performances throughout his career also earned individual recognition.

He was selected for the MLS All-Star team in 2015 and later named the league’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2018.

Across his MLS career, Zardes represented four clubs.

After leaving the Galaxy, he spent 2018 to 2022 with Columbus before brief spells with the Colorado Rapids in 2022 and Austin FC from 2023 to 2024.

Despite moving between clubs during the latter stages of his career, Zardes remained one of the league’s established American forwards and finished with more than a century of MLS goals.

Gold Cup success with USA

Zardes’ impact extended beyond club football, with the forward becoming a regular presence in the United States national team during a period of transition for American football.

He made 68 appearances for the USMNT and scored 14 goals, featuring in major Concacaf competitions and contributing to two Gold Cup triumphs.

He was part of the United States squad that won the Concacaf Gold Cup in 2017 before helping the team claim another title in 2021.

His international career made him one of the more experienced forwards of his generation in the US setup.

Zardes, who is of Ghanaian descent, now leaves football having built a career that spanned more than a decade at both club and international level.

His retirement closes a chapter that included two MLS Cup titles, two Gold Cup medals, an MLS All-Star selection and more than 100 league goals.

For the USMNT, his 68 appearances and 14 goals also mark a significant contribution from a player who remained a regular part of the national-team picture across multiple cycles.

At 35, Zardes has decided his playing days are over, ending a career that took him from Los Angeles to Columbus, Colorado and Austin while establishing him as a two-time MLS champion and experienced United States international.