The End of an Era: Alex Morgan Retires from Professional Soccer
San Diego Wave FC and U.S. Women’s National Team icon Alex Morgan has announced her retirement from professional soccer. Morgan, widely recognized as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, will close her remarkable career this Sunday, Sept. 8, at Snapdragon Stadium with San Diego Wave.
Morgan, 35, has had an illustrious 13-and-a-half year career that saw her feature in the top divisions in the United States and Europe, as well as become an icon of the United States Women’s National Team, amassing over 200 goals and 88 assists across 337 appearances. She will close her legendary career with San Diego as the all-time goals (28) and assist leader (11). Internationally, Morgan ranks in the top 10 in U.S. Women’s National Team history for goals, assists and multi-goal games.
The Legacy of a Champion
Morgan’s impact on the world of women’s soccer extends far beyond her impressive statistics. She has consistently used her platform to advocate for gender equality and inspire young girls to pursue their dreams in sports. Her commitment to social justice issues, including the fight for equal pay in soccer, has made her a role model for athletes worldwide.
Her extensive list of career accolades also consists of a number of individual recognitions, including being named U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year twice (2012, 2018), FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11 selection (2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022) and CONCACAF Player of the Year four times (2013, 2016, 2017, 2018). Morgan also captured an NWSL Championship, NWSL Shield, NWSL Challenge Cup and Champions League, among others.
Dominating the International Stage
On the international stage, Morgan has starred for the U.S. Women’s National Team since 2010. The forward made 224 appearances for the USWNT and scored 123 goals across all competitions, the fifth-most of any player in the country’s history. She appeared in matches at four editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, including capturing the titles in 2015 and 2019, while also becoming a gold medalist (2012) and a bronze medalist (2020) on the Olympic stage. Following a 2012 season that she finished with 28 goals and 21 assists, Morgan joined Mia Hamm as the only American woman to score 20 goals and provide 20 assists in the same calendar year. In 2019, the two-time World Cup champion won the Silver Boot at the 2019 World Cup, scoring six goals and three assists.
A Career Filled with Highlights
Morgan’s career is punctuated with memorable moments. Her iconic goal in the 2012 Olympic semifinals against Canada, a looping header in extra time, secured the United States' victory and remains a defining moment in women's soccer history. Her famous “sipping tea” celebration after scoring a crucial goal against England in the 2019 World Cup semi-finals is a testament to her playful personality and unwavering confidence.
A Club Legend: The San Diego Wave and Beyond
At the club level, Morgan signed for San Diego Wave on July 24, 2022 before going on to make 50 appearances and tallying 23 goals and 9 assists in NWSL action. She led the team in scoring in 2022 with 16 goals, earning NWSL Golden Boot in the club’s inaugural season. The Wave captain led San Diego to unprecedented success, as the club became the first expansion team in league history to make the playoffs in its inaugural season. The club followed that by lifting their first trophy – the 2023 NWSL Shield – in San Diego’s second season of play.
Before joining San Diego Wave, the American star forward featured for Orlando Pride across multiple stints, first joining the expansion side in October 2015. During her time with Orlando, Morgan scored 23 goals in 66 appearances (64 starts). In 2017, she briefly played for Olympique Lyonnais, where she helped lead the team to the UEFA Women’s Champions League and the French Cup.
Morgan was one of the league’s original allocated players in 2013, moving to the Portland Thorns where she led the team in scoring and helped the side secure the inaugural NWSL Championship. She began her professional career as the number one overall pick in the 2011 WPS Draft by the Western New York Flash, where the club captured the WPS Championship.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Morgan’s influence extends beyond her playing career through her philanthropic efforts, including the launch of the Alex Morgan Foundation in 2023, which focuses on supporting and empowering young girls in sports. The foundation’s work is deeply rooted to Morgan’s long-standing advocacy for gender equality, inspired by her own experience as a professional athlete and mother. Morgan has also been a co-founder of Togethxr, a media platform that amplifies the stories of women in sports and beyond.
As Morgan steps away from the professional game, she leaves behind a legacy of athletic excellence, unwavering advocacy, and inspiring determination. She has proven that women in sports can achieve greatness while simultaneously fighting for equality and making a positive impact on the world.
The Next Chapter: A New Beginning
While her time on the field may be over, Morgan’s influence on the sport and beyond will continue to resonate. Her work with the Alex Morgan Foundation and Togethxr ensures that her commitment to empowering young girls and amplifying women's voices will endure. Her retirement is not an end, but a new beginning, a chapter where she can continue to make a difference in a different way.
San Diego Wave FC will celebrate Alex Morgan’s storied career during the club’s final home match on Sunday, November 3 at Snapdragon Stadium. Tickets for the match can be purchased here.
