Alex Morgan, a name that’s been synonymous with U.S. women’s football for over a decade, has officially announced her retirement from professional football. The 35-year-old, whose talent and leadership helped shape the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) into a global powerhouse, shared the news on social media on Thursday.
The End of an Era
Morgan’s decision comes after she was left off the USWNT roster for the upcoming Olympics by new coach Emma Hayes. While this sparked questions about her future in the sport, Morgan has now confirmed she’s ready to hang up her boots for good.
During her stellar career, Morgan made 224 appearances for the USWNT, scoring 123 goals – the fifth-highest in the team’s history. Her time with the national team was packed with success, including two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles (in 2015 and 2019) and an Olympic gold medal at the London 2012 Games.
Reflecting on her journey, Morgan said: “I grew up on this team; it was always about more than just football. It was about friendships, respect, and the push to get women’s sports the recognition it deserves.”
Iconic Moments that Defined Morgan’s Legacy
Alex Morgan's career has been marked by a series of unforgettable moments that helped define her as a legend of women’s football. One of her most iconic feats came at the 2012 Olympics, where she scored an extra-time header in the 123rd minute against Canada, propelling the U.S. into the final.
Fast forward to the 2019 World Cup, Morgan's cheeky “tea-sipping” celebration after her semi-final goal against England captured global attention, showcasing her personality and competitive edge. That same tournament saw Morgan tie a World Cup record, scoring five goals in the USA’s 13-0 rout of Thailand in the group stage, a performance that set the tone for their eventual World Cup victory.
But Morgan’s path to superstardom was laid much earlier, during the 2011 World Cup qualifiers, when she scored a crucial stoppage-time winner against Italy, securing the USA’s place in the tournament and signalling her arrival on the world stage. These moments, among many others, solidified her legacy as one of the greatest in the sport.
Morgan’s numbers speak for themselves. Her 123 goals place her fifth on the USWNT’s all-time scoring list, and her 176 combined goals and assists rank her among the top contributors in U.S. football history. Remarkably, in all 86 matches where Morgan scored, the U.S. never lost – a testament to her impact as a game-changer.
Morgan’s success wasn’t limited to the U.S. She scored against 32 different countries throughout her career, with Japan being her most frequent target, netting 12 goals against the 2011 World Cup champions.
A Champion for Equality
Beyond the pitch, Morgan has been a driving force for change. She was at the forefront of the USWNT’s fight for equal pay and has used her platform to push for better treatment and recognition of female athletes worldwide. In 2022, this fight paid off when U.S. Soccer agreed to pay both the men’s and women’s national teams equally – a victory Morgan played a pivotal role in.
Reflecting on her time with the national team, Morgan said: “I’m so honoured to have worn this crest for over 15 years. What I gained from this experience was far more than I could have imagined.”
In 2023, Morgan launched the Alex Morgan Foundation, dedicated to creating opportunities for girls and women in sport and supporting working mothers. The foundation is just one of many ways Morgan continues to give back to the community.
A Final Farewell
Morgan’s last professional match will be on Sunday, 8 September 2024, when her club, San Diego Wave, faces North Carolina Courage at Snapdragon Stadium. The match will be a fitting end to her career, as she bids farewell in front of her home fans in California.
At club level, Morgan was a trailblazer in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and also had successful stints in Europe. In 2017, she helped Olympique Lyonnais win the treble, including the UEFA Women's Champions League. She also briefly played for Tottenham Hotspur in 2020 before returning to the NWSL, where she is finishing her career with San Diego Wave, winning the Golden Boot in 2022.
A Lasting Legacy
While Morgan’s playing days are over, her influence on the game is far from finished. Her leadership on the pitch, commitment to equality, and dedication to growing women’s football have left an enduring legacy that will inspire the next generation of players.
As Morgan herself put it: “I feel immense pride in where this team is headed, and I will forever be a fan of the USWNT.”
Her retirement marks the end of one of the most successful careers in women’s football history, but her story is far from over. Morgan’s impact on the sport and her contributions to women’s rights and equality will continue to be felt for years to come.