Sydney Leroux has scored countless goals, won championships, and inspired millions. But perhaps her most significant contribution is showing the world that vulnerability is not the opposite of strength — it is strength in its most honest form
As she steps away from the game for now, fans and fellow athletes alike are rallying behind her. Not because she walked off the field, but because she had the courage to do so when it mattered most.
Although Leroux made it clear that this is not a retirement, her future in soccer remains open-ended for now.
What is certain is that her impact on the game continues, regardless of whether she is wearing cleats or not.
Given her charisma, experience, and deep love for the game, it’s possible she may explore coaching, mentorship, or advocacy work during her break.
She may also continue her off-field ventures in media, fashion, or fitness — all areas where she has already made a significant mark.
Also Read: Sydney Leroux: New Relation After Divorce, Bio, Wiki, Age, Career, Pet Dog and More
Table of Contents
Sydney Leroux Dances in the Rain, Calls Out Usher in Playful Birthday Video
Sydney Leroux, the energetic and talented forward for Angel City FC, received a delightful and unexpected surprise on her birthday, May 7, 2025.1
In a playful and vibrant Instagram post, her teammate and close friend Ali Riley shared a video of Leroux dancing joyfully in the rain.
The video, filled with laughter, personality, and Leroux’s signature flair, became a viral hit almost instantly.
The 35-year-old soccer star added her own humorous commentary to the moment, jokingly questioning why Usher hadn’t recruited her for his Super Bowl halftime show.
“Still wondering why Usher didn’t have me as a dancer at the Super Bowl,” Leroux quipped, adding a spark of humor to her special day.
A Birthday Gift from a Teammate and Friend
The heartfelt video was shared by Riley as part of a birthday tribute to Leroux. In the caption, Riley reminisced about their long-standing friendship and how far they’ve come since their college soccer days.
“HBD Sydney. I would say it feels like just yesterday that I was chasing you around in the PAC-10 but BFFR that feels like 5 lifetimes ago,” Riley wrote. “I feel blessed to be growing older and wiser with you as my friend and business partner. ILY booboos.”
Their warm relationship has been evident both on and off the field. In recent years, the duo has extended their bond into professional collaboration through a podcast, further deepening their connection.
The BFFR Podcast: More Than Just Soccer
Leroux and Riley co-host the ‘BFFR’ podcast, which delves into weekly discussions about sports, culture, and lifestyle.
The podcast is supported by Sinclair’s AMP Media and has built a growing following. Its name, “BFFR,” a popular Gen Z acronym meaning “Be For Real,” is fitting for two athletes who value authenticity, humor, and friendship.
The podcast allows the pair to showcase their personalities beyond the pitch, diving into discussions that resonate with both sports fans and lifestyle enthusiasts.
Whether they’re reflecting on locker room dynamics, sharing personal anecdotes, or interviewing high-profile guests, Leroux and Riley bring wit, insight, and genuine camaraderie to every episode.
A NWSL Veteran with a World Champion Pedigree
Though Sydney Leroux may now be in the “rain-dancing phase” of her career, her on-field accomplishments are nothing short of remarkable.
A key contributor in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) since its inaugural 2022 season, Leroux has recorded 10 goals in 42 matches for Angel City FC. Her speed, finishing ability, and relentless energy made her a constant threat in the attacking third.
Her international résumé is even more impressive. As a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team, Leroux earned 77 caps and scored 35 international goals, including pivotal contributions during the squad’s 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup victory. That tournament victory remains one of the brightest highlights in her illustrious career.
Sydney Leroux’s Signature Style
Leroux’s cheeky remark about Usher’s Super Bowl performance wasn’t just a one-off joke—it’s representative of her unique brand.2
Throughout her career, she’s combined swagger with hard work. She’s unafraid to speak her mind, dance in the rain, or tease a global pop star, but beneath all the showmanship lies a determined athlete with a deep love for the game.
Her sense of humor has helped build her brand, and she often uses it to break down stereotypes about women in sports. Whether it’s through TikTok trends, her podcast, or interviews, Leroux stays refreshingly honest and undeniably entertaining.
Angel City FC: A Club Built on Culture and Collaboration
Angel City FC, based in Los Angeles, has been one of the most forward-thinking clubs in the NWSL.
Founded with a strong focus on equity, inclusion, and community, the team has attracted notable figures from Hollywood and sports as investors—including Serena Williams, Natalie Portman, and Eva Longoria.
Players like Leroux and Riley have thrived in such a culture, where off-field ventures are encouraged, and individuality is celebrated.
The video shared by Riley isn’t just a personal moment—it reflects the ethos of the team: confident, fun, and unapologetically bold.
Happy International Women’s Day! pic.twitter.com/MFCQm0FyMx
— Sydney Leroux (@sydneyleroux) March 9, 2025
From College Rivals to Lifelong Friends
The story of Leroux and Riley’s friendship dates back to their college days in the Pacific-10 Conference (PAC-10).
While they may have started as opponents, their shared journey through professional soccer, international play, and now podcasting has forged a bond stronger than ever.
This transformation from college rivals to business partners is not just heartwarming—it’s emblematic of the camaraderie found in women’s sports.
Their story highlights how competition can evolve into cooperation and how mutual respect on the field can translate into lifelong friendship.
Life Beyond the Pitch
Now in her mid-thirties, Leroux continues to redefine what it means to be a female athlete in the modern era.
While some players fade from the public eye after their peak years, Leroux has remained front and center by embracing her multidimensional identity—mother, entrepreneur, podcast host, and now, apparently, aspiring backup dancer for Usher.
Her ability to stay relevant speaks volumes about her adaptability and charisma. While she may be spending less time on the field, she’s just as active off of it—engaging with fans, mentoring younger players, and creating content that brings joy to her audience.
Sydney Leroux: Usher and the Super Bowl
A Missed Opportunity?
Leroux’s playful jab at Usher for not selecting her as a halftime dancer might have been a joke, but fans couldn’t help but imagine what that performance might have looked like.3
After all, Leroux has the moves, energy, and stage presence to light up any stadium.
While the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show was undoubtedly a spectacle, social media users were quick to echo Leroux’s sentiments, some even suggesting she be booked for future performances.
In the ever-blurring world of entertainment and sports, anything seems possible.
A Celebration of Friendship and Femininity
At its core, the viral birthday video is more than just a funny clip—it’s a celebration of joy, friendship, and unapologetic femininity in sports.
Leroux and Riley continue to break molds by showing that strength and softness, ambition and laughter, professionalism and playfulness can coexist.
By dancing in the rain and sharing laughs with teammates, Leroux reminds us all that even elite athletes deserve moments of unfiltered fun and authentic connection.
Reflecting on Her Impact on the Game
Sydney Leroux’s journey is emblematic of the growing influence of women’s soccer in the United States.
As part of a generation that helped elevate the game, both in terms of quality and visibility, Leroux has become a role model for aspiring young athletes.
Her fierce competitiveness, coupled with her off-field personality and openness, has allowed her to resonate with fans beyond the boundaries of soccer.
Whether it’s modeling, appearing in commercials, or being candid on social media, Leroux has balanced athletic excellence with cultural relevance.
Also Read: Who Is Kai Wegner? Divorce With Kathleen Kantar, Family, Kids And More Explained
Sydney Leroux Steps Away
A Brave Pause for Mental Health
In a powerful and heartfelt message, professional soccer player Sydney Leroux has announced she will take a break from the sport to prioritize her mental health.
Known for her resilience, on-field intensity, and fierce competitiveness, Leroux’s decision highlights the evolving conversation around mental wellness in elite sports.
Sydney Leroux’s soccer journey is a story of early talent, relentless dedication, and national pride. Born in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, she began her professional journey with the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2005.
At just 15 years old, Leroux was already competing against seasoned players, showcasing a fearlessness that would define her career.
Her collegiate years from 2008 to 2011 were spent with the UCLA Bruins, where she cemented her status as one of the most talented forwards in NCAA women’s soccer.
Her time at UCLA was marked by numerous accolades and consistent top-tier performances, which paved the way for a celebrated international and club career.
From Olympic Glory to Angel City FC
Leroux became a household name as a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team, especially after the team’s gold medal win at the 2012 London Olympics.
As one of the younger players on the roster, she brought a burst of energy and fearlessness to the team, scoring important goals and contributing to the team’s depth.
Following the Olympics, she played for several clubs in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), including Seattle Reign FC, Western New York Flash, FC Kansas City, and Orlando Pride.
In 2022, she joined Angel City FC, an expansion team in the NWSL that quickly gained a passionate following and media attention due to its celebrity ownership and strong emphasis on player welfare and community engagement.
View this post on Instagram
An Unexpected But Necessary Break
As the 2025 season approached, fans were surprised to hear Leroux’s announcement on Instagram that she would be stepping away from the game to focus on her mental health.
Her message was raw, personal, and resonated with many.
“This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to say or admit to myself. But after a lot of reflection, I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from soccer for my mental health,” she wrote.
Leroux went on to emphasize her identity as a fighter and someone who takes pride in giving her all, but acknowledged that now is the time to take care of herself and her children.
“This isn’t goodbye. I will be back, just like always, in true Syd fashion,” she concluded.
A Role Model on and off the Field
Beyond her athletic prowess, Leroux has been a powerful role model for young athletes, especially women of color.
Her presence in brand campaigns, including those for Nike and Bodyarmor, helped break barriers. In fact, she became the first female endorser for Bodyarmor, highlighting her status not just as a talented athlete but also as a marketing and cultural icon.
She has always stood out for her fierce individuality, unapologetic confidence, and her candidness about the challenges faced by women in sports, particularly around motherhood, injury recovery, and media scrutiny.
Sydney Leroux: Mental Health in Sports
A Growing Dialogue
Sydney Leroux’s decision aligns with a growing trend among athletes choosing to prioritize mental well-being.
Notable names such as Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, and Michael Phelps have also opened up about mental health struggles, thereby breaking long-standing stigmas within the sporting world.
For decades, athletes were conditioned to “tough it out,” to play through emotional distress just as they would with a physical injury.
But the narrative is changing. More athletes are recognizing that peak performance is not sustainable without mental and emotional balance.
Leroux’s move adds another important voice to this evolving dialogue. By being honest and transparent, she continues to lead both on and off the field, even in her absence.
A Mother First: Family Comes Before the Game
- Leroux is a proud mother of two, and her announcement also emphasized the importance of showing up for her children.
- Being a professional athlete and a parent is a complex balancing act, often filled with guilt, sacrifice, and intense time commitments.
- Her decision to step away for the sake of her children reflects a deeply personal and admirable choice — one that many working parents can relate to, whether they are professional athletes or not.
- It also reinforces that strength isn’t just about pushing through adversity, but knowing when to pause and recalibrate.
- While the public sees highlight reels, trophy celebrations, and brand endorsements, the physical and emotional toll of a professional soccer career often goes unnoticed.
- Sydney Leroux has had her share of injuries and grueling comebacks. She famously returned to professional soccer just three months after giving birth, showcasing superhuman determination.
- These kinds of feats, while inspirational, come with a cost. Recovery, both mental and physical, is rarely linear. For many athletes, the cumulative stress can lead to burnout, anxiety, or depression.
- Leroux’s pause is likely a response to years of compounded pressure — a necessary and commendable act of self-preservation.
Also Read: James Bolt And Andrew Bolt: Are They Related? Relationship, Bio/Wiki, Career And More Explained
