USA football icon Alex Morgan has announced her retirement from professional soccer, coinciding with the anticipation of the birth of her second child. A celebrated athlete, Morgan is a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion and an Olympic gold medalist, firmly establishing her legacy as one of the foremost scorers for the United States women’s national team.

In a heartfelt social media message, the 35-year-old Morgan revealed her decision, expressing the emotional weight of her choice. “This decision was not easy, but at the beginning of 2024, I felt in my heart and soul that this was the last season I would play soccer,” she shared, acknowledging the profound impact the sport has had on her life for nearly 30 years. Morgan reflected on her many achievements and the deep love she holds for the game, emphasizing her dedication and passion.

Morgan’s last appearance will be with the San Diego Wave, her current club in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), on Sunday at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California. Throughout her illustrious 15-year career with the national team, she has significantly influenced societal issues, advocating for equal pay in women’s sports and actively engaging in social justice initiatives.

Her accolades include World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019, an Olympic gold medal at the 2012 London Games, and a bronze medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Since joining the national team in 2009, Morgan has competed in 224 matches, scoring 123 goals—ranking her fifth in all-time scoring—and contributing 53 assists, which places her ninth overall. Her exceptional talent garnered her the title of US Soccer Player of the Year in both 2012 and 2018.

Morgan’s commitment to bringing attention to equal pay is particularly noteworthy. She, along with four teammates, filed a complaint in 2016 for wage discrimination and led a lawsuit in 2019 against US Soccer, seeking equity in pay and treatment relative to the men’s national team. The lawsuit was successfully settled, resulting in collective bargaining agreements that ensure equal compensation for both teams, reflecting a significant milestone in the pursuit of equality in sports.

Having joined the San Diego Wave in 2022, Morgan previously played for the Portland Thorns and the Orlando Pride, where she was named the top scorer in 2022. Morgan’s international career also included stints with Lyon and Tottenham.

In her personal life, Morgan and her husband, Servando Carrasco, are parents to a daughter named Charlie, born in 2020. Morgan expressed her pride in Charlie’s aspirations, noting, “Charlie came up to me the other day and said that when she grows up, she wants to be a soccer player. This statement made me immensely proud, not because I wish for her to pursue soccer specifically, but because a pathway exists that even a four-year-old can now envision. We are transforming lives, and the impact on future generations is profound. I take pride in my contributions to advancing the game and ensuring it is left in a place that fosters its growth and development.

As Alex Morgan concludes her storied career, her legacy as an athlete, advocate, and role model for aspiring young soccer players will undoubtedly endure, marking her as a true pioneer in the history of women’s sports.

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