In a heartfelt video shared on social media, U.S. Women’s National Team legend Alex Morgan has announced her retirement from professional soccer, marking the end of an extraordinary 15-year career. Alongside the news of her retirement, Morgan revealed that she is pregnant with her second child, a joyous and emotional moment for the 35-year-old forward and her family.
Morgan, who is widely regarded as one of the most iconic players in the history of women’s soccer, will play her final match this Sunday, September 8, 2024, when San Diego Wave FC hosts the North Carolina Courage at Snapdragon Stadium. It will be a poignant farewell for a player who has left an indelible mark on both the domestic and international stages.
In the emotional video, Morgan explained her decision: “I have so much clarity about this decision, and I am so happy to be able to finally tell you. 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’s illustrious career includes two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles (2015 and 2019) and an Olympic gold medal from the 2012 London Games. With 123 goals scored in 224 appearances, she ranks fifth on the all-time scoring list for the U.S. Women’s National Team. A central figure for over a decade, Morgan’s impact extended far beyond her contributions on the field.
Debuting for the U.S. Women’s National Team in 2010, Morgan quickly rose to prominence, forming a lethal partnership with Abby Wambach and helping lead the U.S. to a second-place finish at the 2011 World Cup. The following year, she played a pivotal role in the U.S. winning Olympic gold in London.
Reflecting on her journey, Morgan said, “I grew up on this team, and it was so much more than soccer. It was the friendships and the unwavering respect and support among each other, the relentless push for global investment in women’s sports, and the pivotal moments of success both on and off the field. I am so incredibly honored to have borrowed the crest for more than 15 years.”
Throughout her career, Morgan faced challenges, including injuries leading up to the 2015 World Cup. However, she remained a vital player for the USWNT, helping the team claim their third World Cup title with a 5-2 win over Japan in the final. Four years later, in 2019, Morgan once again showcased her abilities, scoring six goals (five of which came in a single match against Thailand) to help the U.S. secure their fourth World Cup victory.
In addition to her success on the international stage, Morgan was instrumental in pushing for greater equality in women’s sports. She was a vocal advocate for gender pay equity, leading the charge in a lawsuit against U.S. Soccer for gender discrimination. Morgan’s efforts helped achieve landmark equal pay agreements in 2022, ensuring that the U.S. Women’s National Team and Men’s National Team receive equal compensation.
Off the field, Morgan’s influence extended into philanthropy and advocacy. In 2023, she launched the Alex Morgan Foundation, focusing on empowering young girls in sports and supporting gender equality. She also co-founded Togethxr, a media platform amplifying the stories of women in sports, alongside fellow athletes Sue Bird, Simone Manuel, and Chloe Kim.
As a club player, Morgan’s achievements are equally remarkable. She has been a key player in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), helping San Diego Wave FC make history as the first expansion team to reach the playoffs in their inaugural season and winning the NWSL Shield in 2023. Morgan is the all-time leading scorer for San Diego Wave FC, tallying 28 goals and 11 assists.
Morgan’s legacy in women’s soccer is unparalleled, and her contributions have left a lasting impact on the sport. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman praised Morgan’s influence, saying, “Alex’s legacy is one that will endure for generations, not only in the records, awards, and trophies she has earned, but in the countless lives she has touched along the way.”