Alex Morgan, a prolific goal scorer and a prominent figure in U.S. Women’s National Team history, has announced her retirement from professional soccer. The announcement comes alongside the news that she is expecting her second child. Morgan will play her final match on Sunday, September 8, when the San Diego Wave face the North Carolina Courage at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego.
Reflecting on her journey, Morgan expressed deep gratitude for her time with the national team, which she joined at age 20. “This team has been so much more than soccer for me,” she said. “I am incredibly honored to have worn the crest for over 15 years. My teammates and our fans have shaped my identity, and I take immense pride in where this team is heading.”
At 35, Morgan wraps up a remarkable 15-year career, finishing with 123 goals for the USWNT, ranking her fifth all-time, and 53 assists, placing her ninth in U.S. history. During her tenure, the national team recorded an impressive 177 wins, 15 losses, and 32 draws in matches where she played. Morgan managed to score in 86 of her 224 international appearances, leading to an unbeaten record in the 86 matches where she found the net.
Morgan’s remarkable career includes scoring against 32 different countries, with her highest tally against Japan (12 goals). Her last match in national colors took place on June 4, 2024, against the Korea Republic. She notably scored her final goal for the national team against Argentina on February 23, 2024, during the Concacaf W Gold Cup.
Her achievements during tournaments like the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympics have solidified her legacy, including crucial goals that contributed to the USA winning back-to-back World Cups in 2015 and 2019. Morgan was a standout player in the 2012 Olympics, scoring three goals and providing four assists.
In addition to her international success, Morgan’s club career included being a pioneer in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and winning numerous titles with various teams, including the Portland Thorns and the San Diego Wave. She also had brief stints in Europe with Olympique Lyon and Tottenham Hotspur.
Born in San Dimas, California, Morgan rose through the ranks of youth soccer, earning a scholarship to the University of California, Berkeley. There, she became a standout player before entering the professional leagues. Morgan has also made significant contributions off the field, advocating for women’s sports and equality through her Alex Morgan Foundation.
Her legacy as a player and advocate will leave a lasting impact on the landscape of women’s soccer.