Gyasi Zardes Announced Retirement from Professional Soccer
The veteran MLS striker concludes a 13-season career that included two league championships.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Soccer
Gyasi Zardes has retired from professional soccer after a prolific 13-season career in Major League Soccer. The 35-year-old forward finished his career with 106 regular-season goals, ranking him 10th on the league's all-time list.
Why it matters
Zardes was a standout homegrown player whose career spanned four different MLS clubs and included significant international success with the U.S. Men's National Team. His retirement marks the departure of one of the league's most consistent goal-scorers over the last decade.
Zardes finished his career with 106 regular-season goals, placing him 10th in MLS history. He also earned 68 caps and scored 14 goals for the USMNT throughout his tenure.
The players
Gyasi Zardes
He is a veteran professional soccer player who competed for 13 seasons in MLS and represented the United States internationally.
The details
Zardes announced his retirement via social media following his final season with Austin FC in 2024. During his career, he secured two MLS Cup titles, winning in 2014 with the LA Galaxy and in 2020 with Columbus, alongside two Gold Cup victories with the national team.
Timeline
2013: Zardes signed with LA Galaxy as homegrown player.
2014: Zardes made USMNT debut and won MLS Cup.
2020: Zardes won MLS Cup with Columbus.
2024: Zardes most recently played for Austin.
September 21, 2026: Zardes announced his retirement.
Season Trajectory
Zardes' retirement reflects a broader trend of veteran staples leaving the league as MLS continues to shift toward younger international acquisitions. His departure highlights the changing guard within the league's all-time scoring hierarchy.
Fantasy managers and fans should adjust expectations for Austin FC, as the team will need to replace a consistent attacking presence in their roster rotation. The retirement removes a veteran option from the free-agent pool for the remainder of the 2026 season.
The takeaway
Zardes leaves behind a legacy defined by his versatility and durability across multiple MLS markets. His transition serves as a reminder of the significant turnover cycles that define modern professional soccer rosters.
Further reading
For more on the league's evolving history and recent player transitions, visit Soccer.
