NEW DELHI: After an illustrious career marked by remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to the sport,
Alex Morgan
, a cornerstone of the United States women's national team (
USWNT
), announced her retirement from professional
football
on Thursday.
The 35-year-old forward, renowned for her skill, leadership, and advocacy for women's sports, will grace the field one final time on Sunday, representing the San Diego Wave FC against the North Carolina Courage in a home match.
Morgan's journey, as she poignantly shared in a video message on social media, has been about much more than just football. Her time with the USWNT, which began in 2009, has been defined by deep camaraderie, unwavering support among teammates, and a collective fight for greater recognition and investment in women's sports.
Her on-field accomplishments are equally impressive. Morgan was instrumental in securing two
FIFA Women's World Cup
titles for the USWNT, in 2015 and 2019, and played a key role in the team's gold medal victory at the 2012 London Olympics.
She departs the international stage as a true legend, having earned two US
Soccer
Female Player of the Year awards (2012, 2018) and etched her name in the record books.
"I grew up on this team, it was so much more than soccer," Morgan told the USA football website. "It was the friendships and the unwavering respect and support among each other, the relentless push for global investment in women's sports, and the pivotal moments of success both on and off the field."
"I am so incredibly honored to have borrowed the crest for more than 15 years," Morgan said. "I learned so much about myself in that time and so much of that is a credit to my teammates and our fans. I feel immense pride in where this team is headed, and I will forever be a fan of the USWNT. My desire for success may have always driven me, but what I got in return was more than I could have ever asked and hoped for," she added.
Morgan's impact on the USWNT is undeniable. She sits fifth on the all-time scoring list with 123 goals and ninth in assists with 53. Her presence on the field translated to an astounding 177-15-32 win-loss-draw record for the USWNT, with the team remaining undefeated (76-0-10) in matches where she found the back of the net.
Her combined goals and assists (176) rank fifth all-time, solidifying her place among USWNT icons like Mia Hamm, Abby Wambach, Kristine Lilly, and Carli Lloyd.
Beyond her international success, Morgan enjoyed a decorated career in professional leagues. She celebrated a championship victory with the Portland Thorns FC in the inaugural season of the National Women's Soccer League (
NWSL
) in 2013.
Her professional journey also included stints with the Orlando Pride, San Diego Wave FC, and clubs in Europe. In her 149 NWSL appearances, she tallied an impressive 60 goals and 28 assists, showcasing her consistent ability to impact the game at the highest level.
As Morgan transitions to a new chapter in her life, she does so with the same grace and determination that defined her playing career. The news of her second pregnancy, shared alongside her retirement announcement, signifies a new focus for the football icon.
She embarks on this next stage alongside her husband,
Servando Carrasco
, a fellow professional football player, and their four-year-old daughter, Charlie.
Alex Morgan's retirement marks the end of an era in women's football. Her legacy, however, extends far beyond the statistics and accolades.
English (US) ·