One of the greatest soccer players the United States has ever produced called it quits on Wednesday. Clint Dempsey, the joint record holder for most goals in U.S. Men's National Team history, announced he was retiring from soccer, effective immediately.
An all-timer in &. Legendary #USMNT forward @clint_dempsey has announced his retirement. #ThankYouDeuce // https://t.co/rosK8tkJxU pic.twitter.com/llblD5w40n
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@ussoccer_mnt) August 29, 2018
After prolific 15-year career, Seattle Sounders forward and @ussoccer_mnt legend @Clint_Dempsey announces his retirement. #ThankYouDeuce
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) August 29, 2018
Dempsey retired with 57 goals for the USMNT, tied with Landon Donovan for most all time. Dempsey is the only USMNT player to ever score in three straight World Cups, and his goal against Ghana in the 2014 World Cup ranks No. 1 on our list of greatest Dempsey goals for the U.S.
Born in the Piney Woods of Nacogdoches, Texas, Dempsey had undeniable grit, uncommon flair and undying indefatigability that made him one of the most unique players the United States has ever produced. Much of his determination came down to a vow to honor his sister, Jennifer, who died of a brain aneurysm at the age of 16.
“After a lot of thought, my family and I have decided that this is the right time for me to step away from the game,” Dempsey said. “I’d like to thank all of the teammates, coaches and support staff that I’ve worked with throughout my career. It has always been my dream to make it as a pro. I’m grateful to have been on this ride. I would like to thank all of the fans who have supported me throughout my career with the New England Revolution, Fulham, Tottenham, Seattle Sounders and the U.S. Men’s National Team. Y’all have always made me feel at home, and it is something that I will always remember.”
(Leave it to a Texan to go out with a "y'all.")
For all the times you lifted a nation to its feet, #ThankYouDeuce pic.twitter.com/pdqdArbSQP
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@ussoccer_mnt) August 29, 2018
The Clint Dempsey retirement comes in the midst of a trying season with the Seattle Sounders for the 35-year-old. Second on the team with 39 shots, Dempsey only found the back of the net once in 14 matches.
But the fact Dempsey was playing at all was a testament to his character, fire and determination. In 2016, the Texan was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat, sidelining him for Seattle’s MLS Cup championship. But Dempsey fought back and returned for the 2017 season, leading the Sounders with 15 goals in 2017.
Dempsey is tied with Fredy Montero for the club record with 47 MLS goals.
Perhaps more so than his time in MLS with Seattle and the New England Revolution, Dempsey is remembered fondly for his time in England with Fulham and Tottenham. The Texan is the highest scoring American in the Premier League with 57, including a club-record 50 for Fulham. He helped guide Fulham to the Europa League final in 2010.
Clint Dempsey's 57 Premier League goals are equal to the total scored by the next three Americans COMBINED.
57 - Clint Dempsey
36 - Brian McBride
13 - Roy Wegerle
8 - Joe-Max Moore
8 - Carlos Bocanegra— Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) August 29, 2018
The three-time recipient of the U.S. Soccer’s Male Player of the Year honor, Dempsey equaled Landon Donovan’s goal make in 16 fewer appearances. In addition to his World Cup exploits, he scored three goals at the 2009 Confederations Cup, when the U.S. went up 2-0 on Brazil in the final only to lose 3-2 in the end.
The only thing Dempsey didn’t do well was rap.
Following the Clint Dempsey retirement announcement, scores of former players, teams and media members expressed their admiration for the Deuce.
.@clint_dempsey retires effective immediately. What an absolute honor & privilege it was to both play alongside you and call so many of your big moments. All the best dude #MLS
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) August 29, 2018
Clint Dempsey announces his retirement today from professional soccer. Congrats on a great career @clint_dempsey - an honor sharing the field with you https://t.co/veAoSaH99W
— Stu Holden (@stuholden) August 29, 2018
Thank you @clint_dempsey. A true #USMNT legend who was never afraid to "try shit", and that made him special. #ThankYouDeuce
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) August 29, 2018
Have known @clint_dempsey since his rookie year in New England. What made him so special was his unpredictability. His talent for producing a moment of magic was unique and captivated us all. Thanks for the memories Deuce. Best of luck to you and the family. pic.twitter.com/uEeAfSJ5GF
— Sunil Gulati (@sunilgulati) August 29, 2018
An absolute legend in our game who helped change the perception of what It means to be an American footballer. It was an honor to suit up with you and always a challenge to go up against you.
— Tim Howard (@TimHowardGK) August 29, 2018
I remember first time I saw @clint_dempsey play. He was a long-haired rookie so I already liked him, but when I saw the courage & personality in his game I immediately knew he was special. Players like Clint only come around so often, feel so fortunate I got to play by his side. pic.twitter.com/HZyWjz4MCs
— Kyle Martino (@kylemartino) August 29, 2018
Congratulations on an amazing career @clint_dempsey ! Been a hell of a ride and an honor sharing the field with you homie!! #threeamigos #roomies @alebedoya #legend #usmnt pic.twitter.com/yJLxMXuvVN
— Geoff Cameron (@GeoffCameron) August 29, 2018
Deucesto the of men’s soccer! Thank you @clint_dempsey for your relentless passion and inspiration. Cheers to all the memories on and off the field. What a legendary career. Happy retirement bro!!#DeuceIsLoose #DontTread #ThreeAmigos #Roomie #ThankYouDeuce pic.twitter.com/unbQkcGOIp
— Alejandro Bedoya (@AleBedoya17) August 29, 2018
Congrats @clint_dempsey on an incredible career. Your passion and creativity brought our game to a new level. Wishing you and your family the best. Thank you.
— Mia Hamm (@MiaHamm) August 29, 2018
INSPIRATION @clint_dempsey Thanks for paving the way for guys like me. #ThankYouDeuce
— Kellyn Acosta (@KellynAcosta) August 29, 2018
Ay man @clint_dempsey so many great memories together on the field. Unbelievable/legendary career and teammate. Thank you for all the special “Dempsey moments” be cool pimp! https://t.co/Q9LRHiyHiB
— DaMarcus Beasley (@DaMarcusBeasley) August 29, 2018
Congrats on the great career @clint_dempsey.
Since your rookie year with the Revs, I knew you were going to be special #ThankYouDeuce pic.twitter.com/8F3N1S2415— Jay Heaps (@JayHeaps722) August 29, 2018
Congratulations to @clint_dempsey on an illustrious career for both club and country. I always enjoyed watching you play and come in clutch when needed! All the best in your next chapter. #thankyoudeuce
— Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) August 29, 2018
One of Clint Dempsey's Premier League teammates said that no one wanted to score goals more than Dempsey, even in practice. He had a fire that few have possessed. #ThankYouDeuce #EnjoyTheFishing
— Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) August 29, 2018
Wow, thanks for the memories! May your road through retirement be smooth, safe and relaxing. #ThankYouDeuce https://t.co/1iyXxhTjaH
— Washington State DOT (@wsdot) August 29, 2018
Unbelievable career @clint_dempsey. Here's to hoping we're treated to more of "Deuce" in your retirement, because this freestyle on British TV is one of my favorite all-time videos. https://t.co/kgGmWHUFoI
— Daniel Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) August 29, 2018
THANK YOU @clint_dempsey. YOU ARE A NATIONAL TREASURE THANKS FOR THE JOY YOU HAVE GIVEN US. NOW WATCH OUT FISH pic.twitter.com/7IxM0TDNkv
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) August 29, 2018
USA forward @clint_dempsey has announced his retirement from football.
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) August 29, 2018
Enjoy your retirement, thanks for the memories @clint_dempsey #ThankYouClint pic.twitter.com/DnvUdl7N0A
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 29, 2018
You inspired more than a country @clint_dempsey. Enjoy retirement.
@FulhamFC's record Premier League goal-scorer
Most goals by an American in the PL
Most goals in a single PL season by an American#ThankYouDeuce pic.twitter.com/3iknAwtM37— Premier League USA (@PLinUSA) August 29, 2018
Congrats to @clint_dempsey on an amazing career! #ThankYouDeuce
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) August 29, 2018
Happy retirement, @clint_dempsey! pic.twitter.com/eZxNLidjZ4
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 29, 2018
Texas legend. Happy trails, @clint_dempsey. #ThankYouDeuce pic.twitter.com/Mw8VsOGeQy
— Houston Dynamo (@HoustonDynamo) August 29, 2018
All the best in retirement to Seattle and American soccer icon @clint_dempsey!#ThankYouDeuce pic.twitter.com/OhsollVGKZ
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) August 29, 2018
National hero.
Club legend.
Clint Dempsey. #ThankYouDeuce— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) August 29, 2018