USWNT legend Alex Morgan announces her retirement

Women’s soccer icon Alex Morgan has revealed that she will be stepping away from the sport, as announced on Thursday.

In a video shared on X, the 35-year-old Morgan shared that she is expecting her second child and that her final match will take place on Sunday, Sept. 8, when the NWSL’s San Diego Wave go up against the North Carolina Courage at Snapdragon Stadium.

“I have come to a clear decision about this and am overjoyed to finally share it with you,” expressed Morgan emotionally, mentioning that she had a feeling that this season would be her last since the beginning of 2024. “It’s been a long time coming and this choice was not an easy one.”

Morgan’s Influence on Future Generation of Female Players

Throughout her career, Morgan has witnessed the significant growth of women’s soccer both globally and at the club level. Even within her own family, her impact is evident as her daughter Charlie expressed her desire to become a soccer player in the future.

“The other day, Charlie told me that she wants to be a soccer player when she grows up,” shared Morgan. “It filled me with immense pride—not because I necessarily want her to pursue soccer as a career, but because there is now a visible path that even a 4-year-old can see.

“We are changing lives, and the influence we are having on the next generation is profound and irreversible. I take pride in the role I played in this and in pushing the game forward, leaving it in a state that I am incredibly content and proud of.”

Over the course of her career, Morgan has represented several professional teams, including multiple spells with the Orlando Pride, as well as French club Lyon and Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Women’s Super League.

On the international stage, she holds the fifth-most caps in USWNT history with 224 appearances and ranks eighth all-time in women’s soccer with 123 goals. Morgan made her debut for the national team in 2010.

“Soccer has been a part of my life for 30 years,” reflected Morgan. “It was one of the first things I fell in love with, and I dedicated myself entirely to this sport. What I received in return surpassed all my wildest dreams.”

The NWSL has confirmed that Morgan’s final match on Sunday will be broadcasted on CBS Sports Network and simulcast on ESPN2, ESPN+, Paramount Plus, Prime Video, and NWSL+.