On Thursday, Alex Morgan took to social media to announce her retirement from professional soccer in a heartfelt video, signaling the end of a remarkable era in women’s soccer. Along with the emotional message, Morgan also revealed two other big surprises: she’s expecting her second child, and her final match will take place on September 8, when the San Diego Wave faces the North Carolina Courage in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Ronaldo Scores 900th Goal, Alex Morgan Announces Retirement | First Sports With Rupha Ramani: Ronaldo Scores 900th Goal, Alex Morgan Announces Retirement | First Sports With Rupha Ramani Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 900th goal during Portugal’s 2-1 win… https://t.co/MB25n8Y10x pic.twitter.com/FAD31tyupi
— Janie Johnson – America is Exceptional (@jjauthor) September 6, 2024
Morgan, a two-time World Cup champion and one of the most influential figures in U.S. women’s soccer, leaves behind a legacy defined by breathtaking goals, iconic celebrations, and a tireless fight for equality. Her retirement may feel sudden, but it also aligns with the recent departures of other legendary players like Megan Rapinoe, Ali Krieger, and Julie Ertz. However, Morgan’s exit from the game is not without its complexities. She was controversially left off the U.S. Women’s National Team for the 2024 Olympics and has struggled with injuries this season, missing a significant portion of the Wave’s games without scoring a regular-season goal.
For fans of Morgan and women’s soccer in general, her retirement marks the end of an electrifying chapter. For over a decade, watching Morgan charge toward goal was one of the most thrilling sights in U.S. soccer. Her presence on the field energized not just her team but the entire sport.
In her retirement video, Morgan reflected on her impact: “We’re changing lives. The impact we have on the next generation is irreversible. And I’m proud of the hand I had in making that happen. In pushing the game forward, in leaving it in a place that I’m so happy and proud of.” This sentiment underscores her role not just as an athlete but as a leader, advocating for the progress of women’s soccer.
Morgan’s list of achievements is long and illustrious. She has won two FIFA Women’s World Cups, an Olympic gold medal, a UEFA Champions League title, and an NWSL championship. With 123 goals in 224 appearances for the U.S. Women’s National Team, Morgan ranks among the most prolific players in history. Her 176 combined goals and assists place her fifth all-time in USWNT history. Astonishingly, the U.S. never lost a game in which Morgan scored.
Alex Morgan’s legacy: The U.S. women’s national team star’s 13 best moments on and off the court as she announces her retirementhttps://t.co/UpGdmbQ6M6
— Brian Alexsander (@BrianAlexs69449) September 6, 2024
Her influence, however, extends beyond her on-field accomplishments. Morgan was deeply involved in advocating for player safety and equality. She supported fellow player Mana Shim during the investigation into former Portland Thorns coach Paul Riley’s abusive behavior and played a key role in the U.S. Women’s National Team’s fight for equal pay, joining 28 women in a landmark lawsuit against U.S. Soccer.
Even in the latter stages of her career, Morgan continued to make her mark. After a challenging stint with Orlando Pride and a brief spell at Tottenham, she returned to Southern California with the San Diego Wave, winning the NWSL Golden Boot in 2022 with 15 goals. Her ability to find space and finish decisively remained, even as she transitioned from a speedy forward to a more target-focused player.
Off the field, Morgan’s iconic celebrations, like her infamous “tea-sipping” moment in the 2019 World Cup semifinal against England, demonstrated her playful spirit and competitive edge. Fans and opponents alike won’t soon forget her contributions, not just to the game but to the cultural moment that women’s soccer has become.
As Morgan prepares to take the field for her final match, it’s a time to reflect on how far women’s soccer has come. From the days of streaming NWSL matches on Lifetime to a massive $240 million domestic broadcast deal, the sport has seen tremendous growth during Morgan’s career. The league now airs games across CBS, Prime Video, ION, and ESPN, a far cry from its uncertain beginnings.
Soccer Star Alex Morgan Announces Pregnancy in Tear-Jerking Retirement Video 🥺#AlexMorgan https://t.co/5ueY8mYLCE
— Shriya Swami (@shriyaswami_) September 6, 2024
For those who grew up watching Morgan, her retirement is a poignant reminder of how much she shaped women’s soccer. Her influence will be felt for generations to come, and while the game will continue to evolve, no one will ever quite replicate the magic Alex Morgan brought to the pitch.
Key Points:
i. Alex Morgan announced her retirement from professional soccer, alongside news of her second pregnancy.
ii. Her final match will be on September 8 when the San Diego Wave takes on North Carolina Courage in the NWSL.
iii. Morgan is a two-time World Cup champion, Olympic gold medalist, and NWSL Golden Boot winner, known for her electrifying play and leadership in advocating for gender equality in sports.
iv. She leaves behind a legacy of 123 international goals, ranking her among the top players in USWNT history.
v. Morgan’s impact extends beyond the field, where she fought for equal pay, player safety, and advancing women’s soccer to new heights.
Kirk Volo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
