Ali Riley's Future in Soccer Uncertain Due to Nerve Injury

New Zealand soccer captain Ali Riley may end her career due to a nerve injury that forced her out of the Paris Olympics. The 36-year-old defender openly shared her struggles and future aspirations during a Q&A session in Los Angeles, expressing that she can still be her best self despite the setback.

New Zealand captain Ali Riley has shared that her soccer career may be coming to an end due to a nerve injury, which sidelined her from the Paris Olympics. The 36-year-old defender was removed from the selection list just before the Football Ferns' first match against Canada.

Speaking at a Q&A session in Los Angeles aimed at promoting girls in sport, Riley opened up about her uncertain future in soccer. 'Even now, when I don't know if I'll ever be able to play soccer again, that's the reality of the injury I have now,' she stated. 'The lessons I've learned, the community that supports me, and where I have honed my skills for other passions, I feel like I can still be the best version of myself even if I can't go out there and play games any more.'

Riley, who has made over 160 appearances for New Zealand, has hardly played at any level recently. After her Olympic dream was shattered, she took to social media to describe her ordeal with the 'frustrating, confusing, and excruciatingly painful' nerve injury. During Riley's absence in Paris, defender Katie Bowen stepped in as the captain, but the Ferns were unable to win any of their group matches.

(With inputs from agencies.)