U.S. star Abby Wambach announces plan to retire at end of 2015

The most prolific career in the history of women's soccer is officially coming to an end.

Iconic American striker Abby Wambach, 35, announced Tuesday that she will hang up her boots at the end of 2015, closing the book on an unparalleled career that saw the decorated attacker score more international goals than any player in the sport's history - male or female.

(Courtesy: Paul Carr)

Wambach made her debut with the U.S. national team in 2001 and notched 252 appearances during her illustrious spell wearing the red, white, and blue. She walks away from the sport having captured two Olympic gold medals and a Women's World Cup title, winning the latter this past summer in a tournament that acted as her swan song.

The Rochester, New York native, whose dramatic header in the 122nd minute of the 2011 World Cup quarter-final against Brazil is easily one of the most memorable goals in tournament history, retires having also won the U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year award six times. She was also named FIFA Women's Player of the Year in 2012, becoming just the second American, after Mia Hamm, to claim the honour.

"After much deliberation and talking with my friends, family, teammates and our coaching staff, I've decided to finally bring my soccer career to an end," Wambach said Tuesday.

"While we still have more work to do for women's soccer, after bringing the World Cup back to the United States this summer, I'm feeling extremely optimistic about the future of our sport. It's been an amazing, wonderful ride and I can't wait to see what the next chapter of my life brings."

Wambach will remain with the U.S. Women's National Team throughout the duration of its 10-match victory tour to celebrate the aforementioned World Cup triumph; four games remain on the tour, all of which will be played in December.

Her final contest with the Americans will come Dec. 16 in New Orleans, when the U.S. meets China.

"Abby is a player who has transcended our sport and her legacy as one of the world’s greatest players is set forever," USA coach Jill Ellis said.

"What she has done for women’s soccer and women’s sports overall with her amazing talents on the field and her personality off it has been inspiring to watch. I am just extremely happy that she could end her career with that elusive World Cup title and go out on top, right where she deserves to be."