Ali Riley Faces Uncertain Future Due to Injury

Ali Riley, captain of New Zealand's Football Ferns, has expressed uncertainty about her soccer career due to a persistent nerve injury that has sidelined her since April. The 36-year-old defender was forced to withdraw from the Paris Olympics, where the team struggled in her absence, losing all three group matches. During a recent event promoting girls in sports, Riley candidly shared that she may never play again, stating, 'Even now, when I don't know if I'll ever be able to play soccer again, that’s the reality of the injury I have now.' She has been capped 162 times and played in five World Cups, but has shifted her focus to her identity beyond soccer, reflecting on the lessons learned from her career. Riley detailed her ongoing struggles with the injury on social media, describing it as 'frustrating, confusing, and excruciatingly painful.' Despite her situation, she remains grateful for the support she has received throughout her journey.