Everton's Nicoline Sorensen to retire from football at 26 as club issues shock statement revealing Denmark forward's desire to 'pursue other interests'

The news will come as a major shock to Everton supporters, particularly as Sorensen only signed a new one-year deal in the summer. However, she has now informed the club of her desire to "pursue other interests" and the Toffees have confirmed that they will release her from her contract, although she is set to remain with the club until December 17. Everton will play Manchester City on that date in what will be Sorensen's final outing for the Merseyside outfit.

Sorensen featured in all of the club's WSL matches in 2020-21 and was key in helping the Toffees reach the FA Cup final in 2020. She sustained an injury in September of 2021 that ruled her out of the remainder of that campaign but has made a fully recovery and played a vital role as Everton finished in the top-six last season. The Denmark international also represented her country at the 2023 World Cup.

Alan McTavish, the CEO of Everton's women's team, said in a press release: “Nicoline has been a key part of our squad over the past three years and signed a new one-year deal in the summer. However, she recently informed us of her plans to retire from professional football and, after careful consideration, we have reluctantly taken the decision to release her from her contract. She will remain part of the Women's Senior Team squad until our game with Manchester City on 17 December. Whatever Nicoline’s next steps are, on behalf of everyone at Everton, I would like to wish her all the very best for the future.”

Sorensen will finish up her commitments with Everton before confirming her retirement. It remains unclear what exactly she plans to do next, or if she will remain within the world of professional football.