MLS goals king, San Jose Earthquakes legend Chris Wondolowski retires

San Jose Earthquakes striker Chris Wondolowski has officially retired from a 17-year professional career, bowing out as Major League Soccer’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Wondolowski made the announcement after Sunday’s 1-1 draw with FC Dallas as part of Decision Day, netting the opener to extend his mark to 171 regular-season goals alongside 42 career assists.

The 38-year-old originally planned to retire after the 2020 campaign but returned for one more year with San Jose. He finished with five goals in 32 games (nine starts) during the 2021 season.

"I wanted to do this in front of fans instead of in front of a bunch of cameras," Wondolowski said to the crowd following the match. "I wanted to do this in front of you because you guys have been there from day one. This is the last run. I told myself I would cry, and I knew that tears would be coming, but thank you guys. It's been an amazing ride. I can't thank you guys enough. It starts with my teammates and literally the league. These guys have been there, in the locker room, practices and the battles. I've got to thank my family and everyone here. There are more people than I can count, many Wondolowskis, mom, dad. I got my wife and two girls and a little one on the way.

"The cool thing is that I get to do this with my hometown team," he continued. "Thank you guys for this wonderful ride. Thank you for being a part of me, pushing me on. I can't thank you guys enough. This organization is going to do big things. I can't wait for it, and we'll be here for the future. Thank you to the fans. From Faultline to Epicenter, the Ultras and everyone here. I can't thank you guys enough. You guys mean the world."

Wondolowski, whose MLS career began in 2005 as a fourth-round Supplemental Draft pick out of Chico State, took home Golden Boot presented by Audi honors during the 2010 and 2012 campaigns. A five-time MLS All-Star and three-time Best XI selection, he also was named the league’s MVP in 2012.