The support surrounding Sydney Leroux following her announcement that she is taking a mental health leave has showcased the ongoing push to prioritize the well-being of NWSL players across the board.
In an Instagram post on March 15, Angel City FC forward Sydney Leroux announced she is stepping away from professional soccer to focus on her mental health — a choice wholeheartedly backed by the NWSL, her teammates, and soccer organizations across the community.
Her decision has drawn widespread support from the soccer world, from her own club to The Hidden Opponent, an organization advocating for student-athlete mental health, which publicly praised Leroux for prioritizing her well-being.
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Leroux, a 12-year NWSL veteran, described the decision as “one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to say or admit to myself.” Yet she reassured fans this is not a permanent departure, noting, “This isn’t goodbye. I will be back, just like always, in true Syd fashion.”
Having been with Angel City since 2022, Leroux’s presence has made a significant impact with 10 goals in 42 appearances with the club. She recently signed a contract extension through 2027, underscoring her long-term commitment to the club. Her announcement came the day before Angel City’s season opener against the San Diego Wave, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
From her impressive collegiate record at UCLA to her 77 appearances with the United States women’s national team, Leroux has proven herself one of women’s soccer’s brightest stars.
Her decision aligns with recent NWSL efforts to support player well-being, as outlined in the league’s current Collective Bargaining Agreement. The CBA allows players to take up to six months of paid mental health leave without violating their contracts. Previously, such leave required a psychologist or psychiatrist’s recommendation, but the updated agreement broadens access by allowing any licensed mental health provider to authorize it. This shift reflects a growing recognition of mental wellness as a crucial aspect of player health.
Additionally, the CBA mandates that each NWSL team expand its healthcare staff, ensuring more comprehensive support for players. Teams are now required to have at least 10 medical professionals, including mental health specialists, a move that prioritizes athlete wellness like never before. These measures underscore a broader evolution in professional sports, where mental health is increasingly seen as essential to performance and longevity.
Angel City has been at the forefront of promoting mental wellness, not just in words but through action. The club recently unveiled a state-of-the-art training facility that not only provides better access to training resources but also prioritizes player recovery and mental well-being. This investment empowers players like Leroux to make tough decisions, such as briefly stepping away from the sport she loves and has dedicated so much of her life to, and underscores the evolving focus on athlete well-being in sports culture.
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In her post, Leroux shared that while she has always been a fighter — someone who pushes through no matter the circumstance — she owes it to herself and her children to take this time to regroup and strengthen every part of her life.
Her openness about mental health fuels an ongoing conversation in professional sports, reinforcing the importance of self-care both on and off the field. Fans eagerly await her return, confident she’ll come back stronger than ever.
