Wednesday marks the end of an era in U.S. Soccer as joint-record goalscorer Clint Dempsey announced he will retire from professional soccer effective immediately, ending the current Seattle Sounders star's illustrious career both with the USMNT and in club football.

The 35-year-old finishes level atop the U.S. Soccer scoring charts with 57 goals, tying Landon Donovan, and will be remembered as perhaps the greatest American soccer player of all-time.

Dempsey's professional career began in 2004 with the New England Revolution, followed by a long successful spell in England, with Fulham and later Tottenham in the English Premier League. The star, born in Nacogdoches, Texas, returned to the United States with Seattle in 2013 and was a member of three U.S. World Cup sides (2006, 2010, 2014).

One of the greatest American soccer players ever, here's how social media reacted to the news that Dempsey is hanging up his boots.

Clint Dempsey was a club favorite wherever he went. Here's how his former clubs bid farewell to the American forward.

One from the man of the hour himself. ... It all started in Nacogdoches, Texas.

Piles of tweets and posts from former teammates have flowed in.

Revolution teammate and current ESPN FC analyst Taylor Twellman

.@clint_dempsey retires effective immediately. What an absolute honor & privilege it was to both play alongside you and call so many of your big moments. All the best dude 👊🏼 #MLS — Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) August 29, 2018

U.S. teammates Tim Howard and Geoff Cameron

An absolute legend in our game who helped change the perception of what It means to be an American footballer. It was an honor to suit up with you and always a challenge to go up against you.



✌🏽@clint_dempsey #ThankYouDuece pic.twitter.com/P0JGeI1Tpj — Tim Howard (@TimHowardGK) August 29, 2018

Other well wishes from leading figures in the soccer community

If not the greatest 🇺🇸 ⚽️ player, no lower than 2nd. Thanks for the memories @clint_dempsey , Deuce was 1 of a kind. https://t.co/oRx6L6R6wU — Maximiliano Bretos (@mbretosESPN) August 29, 2018

Congratulations to @clint_dempsey on an illustrious career for both club and country. I always enjoyed watching you play and come in clutch when needed! All the best in your next chapter. #thankyoudeuce — Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) August 29, 2018

Clint Dempsey announced his retirement from professional soccer. He's had quite the run:



- Tied for most international goals in USMNT history

- Only U.S. men's player to score in 3 World Cups

- Most goals by an American in EPL history

- 2016 MLS Cup champion pic.twitter.com/Mka1qpS5q7 — ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 29, 2018

A look at the full span of Clint Dempsey's career with the United States men's national team.

For all the times you lifted a nation to its feet, #ThankYouDeuce ✌️ pic.twitter.com/pdqdArbSQP — U.S. Soccer MNT (@ussoccer_mnt) August 29, 2018

One from a U.S. Soccer fan group, The American Outlaws

From the bottom of our hearts, #ThankYouDeuce For everything.



We love ya. pic.twitter.com/IJDDrAmuMc — The American Outlaws (@AmericanOutlaws) August 29, 2018

#ThankYouDeuce, for being the only man to do this three times for our country. pic.twitter.com/dSvW3fNcDq — The American Outlaws (@AmericanOutlaws) August 29, 2018

Former U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati

Have known @clint_dempsey since his rookie year in New England. What made him so special was his unpredictability. His talent for producing a moment of magic was unique and captivated us all. Thanks for the memories Deuce. Best of luck to you and the family. pic.twitter.com/uEeAfSJ5GF — Sunil Gulati (@sunilgulati) August 29, 2018

Former USMNT, Fulham and Seattle Sounders teammate Eddie Johnson knows Clint as well as anyone

Fellow joint-top-scorer Landon Donovan also wished Dempsey well

What an incredible career. It was an honor to play with and against Deuce so many times ⚽️🇺🇸⚽️🇺🇸⚽️ https://t.co/5jR0CFaqxU — Landon Donovan (@landondonovan) August 29, 2018

Former U.S. manager Jurgen Klinsmann had high praise for Deuce as well

Happy retirement Deuce !! @clint_dempsey

You were an amazing player and you are a wonderful human being! Be proud of everything you achieved and please stay in the game! You would make a fantastic Coach one day! Thx for all the wonderful memories!https://t.co/vdmCX0oAKP — Jürgen Klinsmann (@J_Klinsmann) August 29, 2018

Former U.S. legend and current Under-20 coach Tab Ramos compared Clint Dempsey to Michael Jordan