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Soccer Star Abby Wambach Announces Her Retirement

Abby Wambach, the leading scorer in global soccer history and the 2012 world Player of the Year, will retire after the United States women’s national team ends its World Cup victory tour in December. She added that it was a wonderful ride for her and that she can not wait what the next chapter of her life holds for her. Wambach’s record goals tally is by far the most scored by a male or female player in global football. She had to sit out the 2008 Olympics due to a broken leg.

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She transcended her sport and a kiss with her wife after winning the World Cup even inspired a hashtag – #LoveWins.

“When a man wins the World Cup, they have never needed a job afterwards, but we can’t say the same for women who receive considerable less income throughout the sport”, said Wambach.

Those 77 headed goals would place her 7th on the goalscoring list alone.

Overall, she’s also the leader in multiple-goal games with 45, including two four-goal games and a five-goal game.

While honoring the team at the White House earlier today, Obama alluded to Wambach’s “dominance”, her long career, and her impact on the world beyond soccer. “Perhaps I shouldn’t have used that phrase”. “Playing like a girl means you’re a bad ass”.

Wambach, 35, started her pro career 15 years ago at the age of 21.

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The United States dominated Japan in the World Cup title game after a monthlong tournament that crisscrossed Canada. It’s not about one person. Obama said his youngest daughter Sasha was able to cheer on the team when she attended the game with Vice President Joe Biden and his granddaughter Maisy.

US Women's soccer star Abby Wambach to retire at end of 2015