The time has come. Alex Morgan, one of the most recognizable figures in women's football, has officially announced her retirement from the sport. The 35-year-old American forward broke the news via a heartfelt video on social media, marking the end of a career that spanned nearly two decades and transformed the landscape of women's athletics. Her final match will be played on Sunday night as the San Diego Wave host North Carolina Courage in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

"I'm retiring," Morgan said, fighting back tears in her farewell video. "I'm so happy to finally be able to tell you. This decision took a long time to mature and was not easy to make. But at the start of 2024, I felt deep in my heart that this was my last season as a footballer. This sport has been a part of me for 30 years, and it's one of the first things I truly loved."

A Career Built on Excellence

Morgan's career statistics are staggering. With 233 caps for the United States women's national team (USWNT) and 123 goals, she sits among the elite scorers in the history of the sport. Her trophy cabinet includes two FIFA Women's World Cup titles (2015 and 2019), an Olympic gold medal (2012), an Olympic bronze medal (2020), and numerous club honors. She won the NWSL Championship with the Portland Thorns in 2013, the NWSL Shield with the Orlando Pride in 2017, and the NWSL Challenge Cup in 2020. Internationally, she also claimed the UEFA Women's Champions League during her stint with Olympique Lyonnais in 2017, as well as the Division 1 Féminine title that same season.

Beyond the numbers, Morgan's impact on the game is immeasurable. She was a driving force in the USWNT's historic push for equal pay, becoming a vocal advocate for gender equality in sports. Alongside teammates like Megan Rapinoe and Becky Sauerbrunn, she helped secure a landmark collective bargaining agreement in 2022 that guaranteed equal pay and prize money for the USWNT. This fight extended beyond the pitch, as Morgan testified before Congress and became a symbol of athlete activism.

Pioneer on and off the Pitch

Morgan's influence reaches far beyond her goals and assists. She was one of the first female footballers to achieve mainstream global recognition, appearing on magazine covers, in FIFA video games, and as a brand ambassador for major companies. Her iconic celebration—the "tea-sipping" pose after scoring against England in the 2019 World Cup semifinal—became a cultural moment. At that tournament, she finished with six goals and three assists, earning the Silver Boot and helping the USWNT defend their title while also breaking viewership records worldwide.

Her club career took her from the University of California, Berkeley to the NWSL's Western New York Flash, Portland Thorns, Orlando Pride, and eventually the San Diego Wave. In 2020, she had a brief but impactful loan spell with Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Women's Super League, further expanding her global footprint. She also played for Lyon during a historic 2016–17 season that saw the French club win every domestic and continental trophy available.

Morgan's time in San Diego was particularly meaningful. She joined the Wave as one of the NWSL's marquee players and helped the expansion team reach the playoffs in its first season. Her leadership on and off the field was instrumental in building the club's identity and fan base. Teammate Delphine Cascarino, a French international who plays alongside Morgan in San Diego, called her "a true legend who changed the game for everyone."

Family and Future

In a personal announcement that surprised many, Morgan also revealed she is expecting her second child. "Charlie is going to be a big sister—I'm pregnant," she said. "It was unexpected but I am so thrilled! To me, family means everything." Her daughter Charlie, now four years old, has already expressed a desire to follow in her mother's footsteps. "The other day, she came to me and said she wanted to become a professional footballer. That made me incredibly proud—not because I want her to play football, but because a four-year-old girl can envision that path."

The news of Morgan's retirement comes as the women's game continues to grow at an unprecedented rate. League attendance, television ratings, and sponsorship deals have all surged in recent years, a trend to which Morgan contributed significantly. She was part of the generation that turned women's football from a niche interest into a global phenomenon. Younger players like Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Alyssa Thompson have cited Morgan as an inspiration, and the USWNT's next generation will carry forward the legacy she helped build.

Key Moments in a Stellar Career

• 2012 Olympics: Scored the game-winning goal in the semifinal against Canada, helping the USWNT advance to the gold medal match, which they won against Japan.
• 2015 World Cup: Played a crucial role in the USWNT's run to the title, including a goal in the 5–2 victory over Japan in the final.
• 2019 World Cup: Named to the All-Star Team after scoring six goals, including a historic five-goal performance against Thailand in the group stage.
• 2017 Lyon Season: Won the UEFA Women's Champions League and French league title, showcasing her versatility in a different playing environment.
• Equal Pay Advocacy: As a plaintiff in the class-action lawsuit against U.S. Soccer, she helped secure a $24 million settlement and landmark collective bargaining agreement.
• NWSL Success: Won the NWSL Championship with Portland Thorns, later became the face of the expansion San Diego Wave.

Reactions and Tributes

Since the announcement, tributes have poured in from across the football world. The USWNT's official social media accounts posted a montage of Morgan's greatest moments with the caption: "Thank you for everything, Alex. Forever a legend." Former teammate Carli Lloyd wrote on X: "Couldn't be more proud of everything you've achieved. Now enjoy the next chapter with your growing family." FIFA President Gianni Infantino also issued a statement, calling Morgan "a pioneer who inspired millions."

In San Diego, the club plans a special ceremony before Sunday's match to honor Morgan's contributions. Fans are expected to fill Snapdragon Stadium for what will be an emotional farewell. Morgan's number 13 jersey—a number she made iconic—will likely be retired by the team in the future.

As she turns the page on her playing career, Morgan has not ruled out staying involved in the sport. She has already ventured into publishing with her bestselling book "Breakaway: Beyond the Goal" and co-founded the media company TOGETHXR, which focuses on female athletes. Many speculate she could transition into coaching, broadcasting, or front-office roles. For now, she is focused on her last game and her growing family.

"I gave everything I could to this sport, and what I received in return surpassed all my dreams," Morgan said. "We deserve to see women's sport grow. I also gave everything as a mother to my daughter Charlie. I am ready for what comes next."

Source:leparisien.fr News