United States women's national team forward Alex Morgan has announced her retirement from professional soccer. In a social media video, Morgan revealed that she is pregnant with her second child and will be playing her final game on Sunday for San Diego Wave FC against the North Carolina Courage.
Morgan, a two-time World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist, made the decision to retire at the age of 35 after feeling a sense of clarity at the beginning of 2024. Despite being left off the USWNT's 2024 Olympics roster, Morgan leaves behind an impressive legacy, having scored 123 goals in 224 caps for the national team.
Debuting for the USWNT in 2010, Morgan quickly established herself as a key player, scoring crucial goals in important matches, including helping the U.S. qualify for the 2011 World Cup. She formed a formidable partnership with Abby Wambach and played a pivotal role in the team's success at the 2011 World Cup and the 2012 Olympics.
In a statement released by U.S. Soccer, Morgan expressed her gratitude for the experiences and relationships she has built during her time with the national team. She highlighted the camaraderie among teammates, the support for women's sports, and the moments of success both on and off the field that have shaped her career.
Morgan's retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter in women's soccer, but she remains optimistic about the future of the USWNT. She expressed pride in the team's direction and emphasized her continued support as a fan.
Reflecting on her career, Morgan acknowledged that while her drive for success motivated her, the rewards she received from her time with the USWNT exceeded her expectations. She expressed gratitude for the opportunities she had and the lessons she learned throughout her 15-year tenure with the national team.
