Scotland Captain Rachel Corsie Retires After Chronic Pain, 154 Caps

Scotland women's football captain Rachel Corsie has announced her retirement from professional football following the upcoming Nations League matches against Austria and the Netherlands. The 35-year-old defender, who has earned 154 caps and has had an 18-year career across clubs in Scotland, England, the US, and Australia, has been forced to retire due to chronic pain stemming from multiple knee injuries and surgeries, including six operations with five on her left knee. Corsie emphasized that although her body signaled the need to stop, her passion and determination kept her playing until recently, with her final return to play occurring after a difficult rehabilitation process. She expressed plans to take some time off before deciding on her next role within football, possibly in coaching or media, acknowledging the challenges of transitioning from player to coach. Corsie reflected on her career with pride, noting the privilege of competing at the highest levels, including the 2019 World Cup and Euro 2017. She intends to retire while still competing at her peak, seeing this as the right and fitting conclusion to her playing days.