Alex Morgan, one of the most iconic figures in women’s soccer, has announced that she is pregnant with her second child and will be retiring from professional soccer. Morgan, a two-time Women’s World Cup champion, has been a key figure on and off the field for the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT). Throughout her 15-year career, she not only excelled as an athlete but also played an instrumental role in the fight for equal pay and social justice within the sport.
Morgan, who is 35, will play her final match for her club team, the San Diego Wave, in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) on Sunday at Snapdragon Stadium. This final game will mark the end of a career that has spanned over a decade of accomplishments and breakthroughs in women’s soccer.
Alex Morgan’s Achievements
- Two-Time FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion (2015, 2019): Morgan played a pivotal role in the U.S. team’s victories at the World Cups, solidifying her legacy as one of the best in the sport.
- Olympic Gold Medalist (2012): Morgan was part of the U.S. team that won the gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics, further showcasing her skill and contribution to international soccer.
- U.S. National Team Debut (2009): Morgan joined the USWNT in 2009 and quickly became one of its most prominent players.
- 224 Matches for the U.S. Team: She ranks ninth all-time for appearances in the national team.
- 123 Goals: Morgan is the fifth-highest goal scorer in U.S. team history, with an impressive 123 goals in international play.
- 53 Assists: Her playmaking ability is evident, as she is ninth all-time in assists for the U.S.
- U.S. Soccer Player of the Year (Twice): Morgan has been recognized as the best player in the country on two occasions.
- Equal Pay Advocate: Morgan was one of the lead figures in the U.S. Women’s National Team’s fight for equal pay, which culminated in a successful settlement in 2022.
Key Highlights of the Story
A Trailblazer On and Off the Field
In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Alex Morgan is widely known for her advocacy work. She was one of the key players who sued U.S. Soccer in 2019 for gender discrimination, pushing for equal pay and fair treatment for women in soccer. The lawsuit led to collective bargaining agreements in 2022 that ensure both the U.S. men’s and women’s teams receive equal pay.
Morgan has also been an outspoken advocate for social justice, using her platform to push for global investment in women’s sports and to fight for gender equality in athletics.
Morgan’s Final Match and Pregnancy Announcement
Morgan’s announcement of her second pregnancy coincides with her decision to retire from professional soccer. In her heartfelt statement, she expressed immense pride in her career, emphasizing how much the team meant to her beyond just soccer. She spoke fondly of the friendships she built and the support she received from her teammates and fans.
“I grew up on this team, it was so much more than soccer,” Morgan said. “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.”
Her last appearance for the U.S. Women’s National Team came on June 4, 2024, against South Korea. Although she was not part of the roster for the team that recently won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, her impact on the team’s success is undeniable.
Morgan’s final game for her club, the San Diego Wave, will be held at Snapdragon Stadium, where fans will have the chance to celebrate her remarkable career. The game also serves as a special moment to mark the beginning of a new chapter in her life, as she and her family prepare to welcome their second child.
Conclusion
Alex Morgan’s retirement marks the end of an era in women’s soccer, but her influence on the game will last far beyond her time on the field. Her exceptional career, which includes two World Cup titles, an Olympic gold medal, and numerous individual accolades, has solidified her as one of the greatest athletes in U.S. soccer history. In addition to her on-field achievements, her leadership in the fight for equal pay and social justice has left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of athletes.
As she steps away from soccer to focus on her growing family, Morgan leaves behind a legacy of excellence, both as a player and as a trailblazer for equality in sports. Her contributions to soccer and her advocacy work will continue to shape the landscape of women’s sports for years to come.
Also Read: The Huge Benefits of Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus Tea Benefits – An Incredible Health Drink
Buy Organic Hibiscus from Amazon
Traditional Medicinals Organic Hibiscus Herbal Tea (Pack Of 6), Supports Cardiovascular Health, 16 Tea Bags (Pack of 6) Packaging may vary
Luzianne Unsweetened Hibiscus Iced Tea Bags, Family Size, 22ct Box (Pack of 6)
FGO Organic Hibiscus Iced Tea, Eco-Conscious Tea Bags, 36 Pitcher Bags, Packaging May Vary (Pack of 1)
TeeLux Hibiscus Tea Bags, Premium Natural Hibiscus Flowers Tea, Caffeine Free, Refreshing Tart Flavor, 100 Count
