Foot injury forces Oakville’s Matheson to retire from Canadian women’s soccer team

Oakville’s Diana Matheson has decided it’s time to hang up her soccer cleats.

The Canadian National Women’s Soccer star, who was forced to miss this year’s Tokyo Olympic Games with a foot injury, is retiring after an impressive 18-year career on the field.

The 37-year-old announced her retirement in a written statement, thanking her family, teammates, partner, coaches and staff, and fans “who made everything a little brighter.”

“I am so incredibly grateful for my 18-year career with club and country, and even more for the people I met along the way,” Matheson wrote. “

A two-time Olympic bronze medallist, Matheson scored the winning goal against France in the London 2012 Olympics.

She had 206 caps to her name, recording 19 goals and 25 assists. Her 16,715 career playing minutes is second only to captain Christine Sinclair.

“Diana has had a massive impact on Canada Soccer’s women’s national team program,” Canada coach Bev Priestman said in a statement. “Not only has she been a great leader for this team both on and off the pitch, she also inspired an entire nation during her incredible career.

“The winning goal at the London 2012 Olympic Games will forever be a turning-point moment in the history of this program. We all wish her the best in her next adventure.”

Matheson missed the 2019 World Cup due to an avulsion fracture in her toe. The injuries to her left foot would continue, sending a strong message high-level soccer just wasn’t an option anymore.   

“Representing Canada has been the greatest honour of my life,” she said. “The decision has come somewhat easily as my body told me in no uncertain terms it’s time to hang up the  boots.

“I’m ready though – as ready as I can be – and I’m genuinely excited with what lies ahead.”

Matheson is hoping to do more TV work and plans to start her MBA at Queen’s University next month. She is also looking to bring an NWSL team to Canada and is working on domestic women’s soccer league.

“There is still so much to come for women’s soccer in this country, and while I’m done wearing No. 8 on the field, I’m certainly not done with soccer,” she said.

“I can’t wait to get started on what’s next. See you all soon!”