Hamm calls time on glittering career

Mia Hamm, who is to women's football what Pelé was to the men's game, retired from competition on Wednesday, having inspired a generation of young girls while leading the United States to Olympic and FIFA Women's World Cup titles.

Leading scorer
A friendly against Mexico in Carson City, California provided the final stage for Hamm as she bowed out in front of a cheering crowd. She retired as the most prolific scorer, of any sex, in the history of international football. A 5-0 victory for the US marked the end of a golden era with captain Julie Foudy and Joy Fawcett also hanging up their boots. The trio played together in three Olympics and three World Cups.

World's best
Capped 276 times, Hamm began her international career as a 15-year-old and finishes it 17-years later still the world's best known women's player and one of America's most recognisable and marketable athletes. Hamm was twice selected FIFA women's World Player of the Year - and is in the running again this year along with Germany's Birgit Prinz and Marta of Brazil - and once named in People magazine's list of 50 Most Beautiful people. However, Hamm was much more than the pretty face of women's football.

Gifted finisher
A gifted finisher with devastating power, Hamm scored a record 158 goals to help the US to World Cup titles in 1991 and 1999 and Olympic gold in 1996 and 2004. Her popularity provided the foundation and marquee name for the WUSA, a professional women's league that flourished then folded but hopes to make a comeback next season. She remains the best known player in the United States, man or woman.

Fortunate
"There are obviously highlights but I think competing for this long is the biggest," said Hamm ahead of her final match. "We were fortunate to start as young as we all did but at the same time we have to consider the months and years of training on our own and finding a place to play and living day-by-day on part-time jobs."

Mixed feelings
Having spent over half her life travelling around the world building and promoting the sport, Hamm will now embark on a new life with husband Nomar Garciaparra, a baseball professional with the Chicago Cubs who was in the stands to watch her final game. The 32-year-old said she had mixed feelings about walking off the field for the last time.

Exciting times
"There are mixed emotions," said Hamm. "There are things in your life that you have had to put on the back burner and you can focus more time and energy on that now. I have to see what is out there and not commit to everything at the beginning. It's nothing but exciting, and I am just looking forward to it."