Sydney Leroux , United States soccer star and veteran forward for Angel City FC, is returning to the pitch after taking a yearlong break to address her mental health.
One day before Angel City FC's 2025 season opener against the San Diego Wave, Leroux announced she would be stepping away from soccer, calling the decision "one of the hardest things I've ever had to say or admit to myself.
"After a lot of reflection, I've made the difficult decision to step away from soccer for my mental health," Leroux wrote in Instagram post in March 2025.
At the time, Leroux had just signed a three-year contract extension with Angel City that went through 2027 season in October 2024. She said she planned to finish her career with Angel City and said this would be her final contract before retiring from soccer.
"This is my last go and I'm excited to end my career here," Leroux said, per the team's official website. "My family and I are so excited to continue to be a part of Angel City and I promise to give my everything until the wheels fall off."
Sep 23, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Angel City FC forward Sydney Leroux (2) controls the ball against Portland Thorns FC defender Becky Sauerbrunn (4) during the second half at BMO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Angel City played the 2025 season without Leroux, finishing with a 7-6-12 record and missing the playoffs for the second season in a row.
In her initial Instagram post announcing she would be stepping away from soccer, Leroux said she would be back.
That time has come, as Leroux, 35, announced she will be returning to Angel City for the 2026 season in an Instagram post on Tuesday.
"To be honest… this past year was hell," Leroux wrote. "The hardest year of my life. Heartbreaking, isolating and devastating. A year that will stay with me forever. A year that changed me. I've shared wins and losses, grief and joy, the humor and chaos of motherhood, moments that make life messy and beautiful. I share that because it's real life and sometimes we forget."
"So many of you have shared your own stories with me, proving that paths can cross in struggle, resilience and laughter everywhere, no matter who you are or where you come from. There will always be moments when you forget how to put one foot in front of the other but somehow you figure it out. I did. I fought and I clawed my way through everything that should have broken me. For that, I am forever grateful to everyone who gave me love, grace, patience and support. Lastly.. and most importantly, I want to thank you for always believing that I am, I was and will always be THAT B!
"LFG," Leroux added. "This comeback is for you. I'll see you soon."
Leroux has two seasons remaining on the contract extension she signed in October 2024. She will begin wrapping up a decorated career in the NWSL and with the United States women's national team.
She has scored 10 goals in 42 NWSL matches for Angel City since joining the team in 2022. Leroux has also scored 25 goals in 77 appearances with the USWNT . She won an Olympic gold medal at the 2012 London Summer Olympics and won the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup with the USWNT.
The post USWNT, Angel City FC Star Announces Comeback After Mental Health Break appeared first on LA Sports Report .
