Alex Morgan, one of the biggest names in U.S. Women's Soccer, has officially announced her retirement while also sharing the joyful news of her second pregnancy.
- September 6, 2024
AceShowbiz - Longtime U.S. Women's National Team star Alex Morgan, 35, officially announced her retirement on Thursday, marking the end of a remarkably successful soccer career. Morgan disclosed her decision in an emotional Instagram video.
She said, "I'm retiring, and I have so much clarity about this decision, and I'm so happy to be able to tell you. It has been a long time coming and this decision wasn't easy, but at the beginning of 2024, I felt in my heart and soul that this was the last season I would play soccer."
Morgan, a pivotal figure in the U.S. Women's National Team, also announced another exciting development in her life - she is pregnant with her second child. "I am pregnant," Morgan shared, expressing her joy and gratitude for her family, which includes her husband, Servando Carrasco, and their 4-year-old daughter, Charlie.
Morgan's career is a testament to her extraordinary talent and dedication. She boasts two Women's World Cup championships (2015, 2019), a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics, and a bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
She completed her international career with 123 goals (fifth all-time) and 53 assists (ninth all-time) in 224 appearances. Morgan's relentless drive and skill have earned her numerous accolades, including the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year twice and the ESPY Award for Best Female Athlete in 2019.
Beyond the field, Morgan has been a staunch advocate for equal pay and social justice, significantly contributing to the landmark 2022 collective bargaining agreement that ensures equal pay for the U.S. men's and women's national teams. "I'm giving my all in the relentless push for global investment in women's sports, because we deserve that," Morgan emphasized.
Her influence extends beyond her achievements in soccer. Many current players and former teammates honored Morgan's legacy following her retirement announcement. Abby Dahlkemper praised her as a "legend," while Caitlin Clark dubbed her one of the "greatest of all time." Her contributions to the sport have inspired a younger generation, including her own daughter, Charlie, who dreams of becoming a soccer player.
As Alex Morgan prepares to play her final professional match on Sunday with San Diego Wave FC, the sporting world reflects on her profound impact on women's soccer and her remarkable career.
Morgan concluded her announcement video with words of gratitude and pride for her journey, "We're changing lives, and the impact we have on the next generation is irreversible. And I'm proud in the hand I've had in making that happen in pushing the game forward and leaving it in a place that I'm so happy and proud of."
