Alex Morgan, a prominent figure in women’s soccer known for her pivotal role in securing two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles and an Olympic gold medal for the U.S., has announced her retirement through a social media post.
At 35, Morgan will play her final match this Sunday, where the San Diego Wave will take on the North Carolina Courage. In a video shared online, she reflected on her decision, stating, “It has been a long time coming, and this decision wasn’t easy. But at the beginning of 2024, I felt in my heart and soul that this was the last season that I would play soccer.”
Morgan candidly expressed her deep connection to the sport, saying, “Soccer’s been a part of me for 30 years. It was one of the first things that I ever loved. I gave everything to this sport, and what I got in return was more than I could have ever dreamed of.”
Morgan began her international career when she was called up to the U.S. women’s national team in 2009, while she was a standout player at the University of California, Berkeley. In her rookie season, she scored four international goals, quickly earning the nickname “Baby Horse” due to her impressive speed and power.
During her 15-year career, Morgan became the face of American soccer, contributing to the U.S. victories in the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cups and the 2012 Olympic Games. She ranks fifth in U.S. history with 123 international goals.
Her club journey included tenures with several teams, notably six years with the Orlando Pride, and three each with the Portland Thorns and the San Diego Wave, where she retires as the fourth-leading scorer in league history.
In her heartfelt video, Morgan shared a recent moment with her four-year-old daughter, who expressed a desire to become a soccer player. “It made me immensely proud — not because I wish for her to become a soccer player when she grows up — but because a pathway exists that even a four-year-old can see now,” Morgan stated. She emphasized the lasting impact women’s soccer has on future generations.
Additionally, Morgan revealed that she is expecting her second child. With the U.S. women’s national team now transitioning into a new era, featuring players like Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, and Sophia Smith, she expressed her pride in their future prospects and reiterated her support for the team.
The national team has faced challenges recently, including a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics and an early exit in the 2023 World Cup. After a disappointing year, the team currently sits at its lowest ever position in FIFA’s international rankings.
Looking ahead to the 2024 Olympics, Morgan was not included in the team’s roster. National team coach Emma Hayes described the decision as difficult, highlighting Morgan’s achievements and legacy within the team.