‘Thank You Deuce:’ U.S. Soccer Greats, Past Clubs Honor Clint Dempsey Upon Retirement

Former U.S. men's national team star and Seattle Sounders forward Clint Dempsey announced his retirement on Wednesday morning, ending a 15-year career effective immediately.
“After a lot of thought, my family and I have decided that this is the right time for me to step away from the game,” Dempsey said in a statement. “I’d like to thank all of the teammates, coaches and support staff that I’ve worked with throughout my career. It has always been my dream to make it as a pro. I’m grateful to have been on this ride. I would like to thank all of the fans who have supported me throughout my career with the New England Revolution, Fulham, Tottenham, Seattle Sounders and the U.S. Men’s National Team. Y’all have always made me feel at home, and it is something that I will always remember.”
The 35-year-old was showered with praise from across the soccer world and earned acknowledgement from peers, rivals, coaches and professional teams alike.
What an incredible career. It was an honor to play with and against Deuce so many times ⚽️🇺🇸⚽️🇺🇸⚽️ https://t.co/5jR0CFaqxU
— Landon Donovan (@landondonovan) August 29, 2018
Happy retirement Deuce !! @clint_dempsey
— J_Klinsmann (@J_Klinsmann) August 29, 2018
You were an amazing player and you are a wonderful human being! Be proud of everything you achieved and please stay in the game! You would make a fantastic Coach one day! Thx for all the wonderful memories!https://t.co/vdmCX0oAKP
An article when Jordan retired described his ability but most importantly said that “Jordan kept score” ... @clint_dempsey was skillful, unpredictable but more importantly, he kept score! .... THE BEST! ..... Waiting for you at the @ussoccer_ynt @ussoccer https://t.co/2sRyEx0WOR
— Tab Ramos (@RamosTab) August 29, 2018
Thank you @clint_dempsey. A true #USMNT legend who was never afraid to "try shit", and that made him special. 🇺🇸 #ThankYouDeuce
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) August 29, 2018
Ay man @clint_dempsey so many great memories together on the field. Unbelievable/legendary career and teammate. Thank you for all the special “Dempsey moments” be cool pimp! ✌🏾 https://t.co/Q9LRHiyHiB
— DaMarcus Beasley (@DaMarcusBeasley) August 29, 2018
An absolute legend in our game who helped change the perception of what It means to be an American footballer. It was an honor to suit up with you and always a challenge to go up against you.
— Tim Howard (@TimHowardGK) August 29, 2018
✌🏽@clint_dempsey #ThankYouDuece pic.twitter.com/P0JGeI1Tpj
Statement regarding @SoundersFC forward Clint Dempsey’s retirement from professional soccer https://t.co/y9eXgtPWnX pic.twitter.com/u7UME21NBP
— Don Garber (@thesoccerdon) August 29, 2018
Have known @clint_dempsey since his rookie year in New England. What made him so special was his unpredictability. His talent for producing a moment of magic was unique and captivated us all. Thanks for the memories Deuce. Best of luck to you and the family. pic.twitter.com/uEeAfSJ5GF
— Sunil Gulati (@sunilgulati) August 29, 2018
One of the best all-time. Thank you @clint_dempsey for your contributions to the National Team and the sport overall. You impacted so many young players during your career! https://t.co/me3Ck0t07n
— Carlos Cordeiro (@CACSoccer) August 29, 2018
From the bottom of our hearts, #ThankYouDeuce For everything.
— AO (@AmericanOutlaws) August 29, 2018
We love ya. pic.twitter.com/IJDDrAmuMc
Congrats @clint_dempsey on an incredible career. Your passion and creativity brought our game to a new level. Wishing you and your family the best. Thank you.
— Mia Hamm (@MiaHamm) August 29, 2018
For all the times you lifted a nation to its feet, #ThankYouDeuce ✌️ pic.twitter.com/pdqdArbSQP
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) August 29, 2018
Congrats on an unbelievable career my dude. @clint_dempsey ✌🏼
— herculez gomez (@herculezg) August 29, 2018
Arguably the best American ever produced... 🇺🇸
But the toughest mother effer to ever step on the field for @ussoccer_mnt is not arguable. 💪🏼 #USMNT pic.twitter.com/se69rQVel2
Congratulations on a amazing career my friend 🙌🏼👏🏼⚽️ @clint_dempsey https://t.co/SKVrweuJq4
— Tim Cahill AO (@Tim_Cahill) August 29, 2018
I remember first time I saw @clint_dempsey play. He was a long-haired rookie so I already liked him, but when I saw the courage & personality in his game I immediately knew he was special. Players like Clint only come around so often, feel so fortunate I got to play by his side. pic.twitter.com/HZyWjz4MCs
— Over Under Initiative (@OverUnderPlay) August 29, 2018
I looked up to you my whole career. One of the best to ever put on the #USA jersey. RESPECT @clint_dempsey #Deuce pic.twitter.com/3HqjyNixmB
— Charlie Davies (@CharlieDavies9) August 29, 2018
Congrats @clint_dempsey on an amazing career. One of the best Americans ever.
— Sacha Kljestan (@SachaKljestan) August 29, 2018
One of the best to ever lace up the boots. Thousands of kids will want to grow up to play this game with the same passion and flair you did, and our country will be better off for it. Enjoy retirement @clint_dempsey 🎣 🙌🏻 https://t.co/v0hdR5Y2kc
— Dax McCarty (@DaxMcCarty11) August 29, 2018
🇺🇸 👍 Happy retirement, @clint_dempsey! pic.twitter.com/eZxNLidjZ4
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 29, 2018
Enjoy your retirement, thanks for the memories @clint_dempsey 👏 #ThankYouClint pic.twitter.com/DnvUdl7N0A
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 29, 2018
231 appearances
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 29, 2018
60 goals
...Congratulations on an incredible career, @clint_dempsey - our @premierleague top scorer! 👏
📝: https://t.co/MKS2zXMaHI #FFC pic.twitter.com/yfxVRQPrAm
Deuces✌️to the 🐐of 🇺🇸 men’s soccer! Thank you @clint_dempsey for your relentless passion and inspiration. Cheers to all the memories on and off the field. What a legendary career. Happy retirement bro!!#DeuceIsLoose #DontTread #ThreeAmigos #Roomie #ThankYouDeuce pic.twitter.com/unbQkcGOIp
— Alejandro Bedoya (@AleBedoya17) August 29, 2018
Congratulations to @clint_dempsey on an illustrious career for both club and country. I always enjoyed watching you play and come in clutch when needed! All the best in your next chapter. #thankyoudeuce
— Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) August 29, 2018
He probably just scored (again). ⚽️Happy retirement @clint_dempsey, one of the greatest to ever wear the 🇺🇸 shirt. And you always did things your own way, which I admire & respect the… https://t.co/WBL8DtNi1I
— Jay DeMerit (@D6MERIT) August 29, 2018
A big SHOUT OUT to @clint_dempsey on staying true to himself throughout his career, which led to him being one of the best players we have ever produced in this country.
— Jimmy Conrad (@JimmyConrad) August 29, 2018
It was an honor to play with and against you, my friend.
Good luck in whatever's next. ✌️ #Deuce pic.twitter.com/eW4iYVYXgk
All the best in retirement to Seattle and American soccer icon @clint_dempsey!#ThankYouDeuce pic.twitter.com/OhsollVGKZ
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) August 29, 2018
2006: ⚽️
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) August 29, 2018
2010: ⚽️
2014: ⚽️⚽️
✅ First 🇺🇸 USA player to score at #WorldCup in three consecutive editions
Congrats on a great career, @clint_dempsey! pic.twitter.com/BIUmqogA2g
Dempsey last played on July 25th as a sub against the San Jose Earthquakes. Dempsey finishes his two stints in MLS with 72 goals and 42 assists in 186 games. He finishes tied with Landon Donovan for the USMNT’s all-time goal record with 57, with his last goal helping the U.S. reach the final of the 2017 Gold Cup in a semifinal win over Costa Rica–while Donovan was in the broadcast booth calling the game for Fox.
