In a heartfelt announcement, one of the world’s most renowned soccer stars, Alex Morgan, revealed her retirement from professional soccer on Thursday. The 35-year-old striker for the NWSL’s San Diego Wave shared the news in an emotional four-minute video on social media, where she also disclosed that she is pregnant with her second child.
Morgan stated that her final match will take place this weekend against the North Carolina Courage, marking the end of an illustrious career.
“Soccer has been a part of me for 30 years. It was one of the first things that I ever loved. And I gave everything to this sport. What I got in return was more than I could have ever dreamed of,” Morgan expressed in her video.
As a two-time World Cup champion and an Olympic gold medalist in 2012, Morgan has been an integral figure in the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT). She leaves the sport with 123 goals for the U.S., placing her fifth on the all-time USWNT scoring list.
Reflecting on her career and legacy, Morgan emphasized the importance of paving the way for future generations. “We’re changing lives, and the impact we have on the next generation is irreversible,” she said. “I’m proud of the role I played in pushing the game forward and leaving it in a place that I’m so happy and proud of.”
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Morgan also shared a touching moment with her daughter, Charlie, who recently expressed a desire to follow in her mother’s footsteps. “Charlie came up to me the other day and said that when she grows up, she wants to be a soccer player,” Morgan said, beaming with pride. “Not because I wish for her to become a soccer player, but because a pathway exists that even a four-year-old can see now.”
Alex Morgan’s retirement marks the end of an era for women’s soccer, as she leaves behind a legacy of inspiration, leadership, and trailblazing achievements.