Sacramento Republic FC’s most decorated player announces retirement
The most decorated player in Sacramento Republic FC’s history is retiring.
Rodrigo “RoRo” Lopez, a midfielder and captain who was the club’s first-ever signing as an expansion franchise in 2014, announced this week he will hang up his cleats after the 2025 campaign.
“As I close this chapter, I do so with a full heart and no regrets,” Lopez wrote in a statement. “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. Before I begin this new chapter, my focus is on one thing: win another USL title for Sacramento before the year is done.”
Next for the 38-year-old will be a role in player development with the franchise bridging the club’s youth academy to first team beginning in 2026.
In the meantime, Republic FC has two more regular season games before the USL Playoffs begin Nov. 2. The club entered Wednesday’s match against Charleston Battery second in the Western Conference standings as it looks for its second USL Championship in history.
The club won its first in its inaugural season in 2014, with Lopez in a starring role.
He was named the Championship MVP that year thanks to a hat trick and game-winning goal to defeat the LA Galaxy II in the semifinals, which the club and its supporters have called “The Miracle at Bonney.” Their current home stadium, Heart Health Park, was called Bonney Field from 2014 to 2017.
“To say Rodrigo Lopez is synonymous with Sacramento Republic is an understatement. From our title run in the inaugural year, to watching him try and lead us to another years later, it’s been an honor and pleasure,” Republic FC managing partner Kevin Nagle said. “Not only is RoRo an excellent athlete and leader of men, he’s an amazing person and the perfect example of what Sacramento is all about. There is no replacing him, and I certainly wish him all the best going forward. What a career.”
Lopez was also key to run to the U.S. Open Cup Final in 2022, when Sacramento Republic FC was looking to become just the second lower-division club to win the tournament in 25 years. Lopez helped Republic FC take down three MLS squads — the San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy and Sporting Kansas City — before losing to Orlando City FC.
Lopez won the semifinal game against Kansas City with a dramatic, game-winning penalty kick. He was named the Player of the Tournament and Lower Division Player of the Tournament after leading all participants with four goals and four assists.
“RoRo has been a transformative force for this club time and time again and has been synonymous with many of the biggest moments in team history,” Republic FC president and GM Todd Dunivant said. “This is a special moment to celebrate RoRo and thank him for his impact on Sacramento, but at the same time we know his work is not done. His first year in Sacramento ended in a championship, and it will only be fitting to send him out the same way.”
Lopez’s career has spanned 22 seasons, including seven with Republic FC over his two stints. His career began in 2005 with Chivas USA of the MLS before going to the USL PDL, MLS Reserve and top Mexican Leagues Ascenso MX and Liga MX. He received first team All-League selections with Sacramento in 2014 and 2022.
Lopez heading into his final weeks with Republic FC has 167 appearances, 45 goals and 49 assists, the most in club history.
This story was originally published October 22, 2025 at 12:29 PM.
