Rodrigo Lopez, the Republic FC’s first-ever signing, announces he’ll retire at the end 2025 season. His career spanned 22 years with stops in the U.S. and Mexico.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sacramento Republic FC captain Rodrigo “RoRo” Lopez announced that he will retire at the end of the 2025 season. 

Lopez’s career spans 22 years, playing for 13 different clubs in the United States and Mexico, including seven seasons for Republic FC. He was the club’s first-ever signing. 

Although he’ll step away from competition, Lopez is not leaving the club, as he will transition to a player development role, bridging Republic FC’s youth academy and first team beginning in the 2026 season. 

“This game has been my life. I starting playing fútbol when I was just 3 years old at the Santa Barbara Boys and Girls Club, running around the field with nothing but pure joy in my heart,” Lopez said. “My career has been full of ups and downs, victories, defeats, injuries, comebacks, and everything in between, but I wouldn’t trade a single moment of it. I’ve been fortunate to become a champion, to represent my teams with pride, and to share the field with some of the most talented and passionate people in the sport.”

Across seven seasons in Sacramento, Lopez has made 167 appearances, 45 goals, and is ranked first with 49 assists. He helped bring a trophy to Sacramento in Republic FC’s inaugural season in 2014. Lopez was named the USL Championship MVP.

Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Lopez grew up in Santa Barbara and joined the Chivas youth system. His professional career started in 2005 when he signed his first professional contract with MLS club Chivas USA.

He signed with Republic FC in 2014 and departed the club after the 2015 season. Lopez returned for a second stint in Sacramento in 2022. 

“As I close this chapter, I do so with a full heart and no regrets,” Lopez said. “Fútbol has given me more than I ever dreamed of and now, I’m excited to pour that same passion and energy into the next phase of my journey helping develop, inspire, and guide the next generation of players. 

Republic FC said it will celebrate Lopez’s career Saturday when the club hosts Miami FC for the regular season finale at Heart Health Park. 

The following weekend, Lopez will begin his final playoff run when Republic FC hosts a Western Conference quarterfinals match on Sunday, Nov. 2. 

“Before I begin this new chapter, my focus is on one thing: win another USL title for Sacramento before the year is done,” Lopez said. 

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