“My body is telling me” – Super Falcons star retires from football

Super Falcons goalkeeper and former AS Saint-Étienne star Yewande Balogun has officially announced her retirement from professional football, Soccernet.football reports.

Balogun brings the curtain down on an extraordinary career defined by resilience, determination, and an unrelenting passion for the beautiful game.

The 35-year-old goalie shared the news on her Instagram page, reflecting on her journey with heartfelt gratitude:

“My body is telling me it’s time to close this chapter and hang up the boots, but I thank God for every step of this journey. I’m forever grateful to the beautiful game and all it has given me, so here’s to continuing to find ways to give right back. Thank you for all of the love and support along the way,” she wrote.

A Journey Fueled by Passion

Born in Prince George’s County, Maryland, Balogun’s love for football was nurtured by her father, whose enthusiasm for the sport influenced his children.

Initially playing as a centre-back, Balogun transitioned to goalkeeping at the age of 13, marking the start of her path to success.

Her talents earned her a spot on the United States U14 youth national team, where her performances caught the attention of the University of Maryland. A recruitment offer followed, and Balogun pursued her studies while continuing to hone her skills on the field.

However, a serious injury after college and the absence of robust women’s leagues in the U.S. at the time forced her to consider coaching.

Despite these setbacks, Balogun remained steadfast in her dream of returning to competitive football.

A Remarkable Comeback

The turning point came in 2021, when Balogun, then an assistant coach at UC Davis, was asked to step in as goalkeeper for California Storm during a match. Her outstanding performance led to a temporary contract with the team.

Shortly after, Balogun received an unexpected call to join the Super Falcons for a friendly tournament in Texas.

COVID restrictions and visa issues had left Nigeria short of players, and Balogun seized the opportunity. This pivotal moment reignited her playing career and set her on a path to represent Nigeria at the international level.

In the summer of 2022, Balogun joined French club AS Saint-Étienne, and a year later, she was part of Nigeria’s squad at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The Super Falcons reached the Round of 16 before bowing out to England in a penalty shootout.