Alex Morgan, a name synonymous with U.S. soccer greatness, took to Instagram to share a monumental announcement with her fans and followers. In a heartfelt video, the 35-year-old soccer star declared her retirement from professional soccer, marking the end of an illustrious chapter in the sport’s history.
“I’m going to get straight to the point: I’m retiring,” Morgan announced with a mixture of clarity and emotion. “I have so much clarity about this decision, and I’m thrilled to finally share it with you. This decision has been a long time coming, and it wasn’t easy, but as the new year began, I knew in my heart and soul that this would be my final season.”
Soccer has been a central part of Morgan’s life for three decades, tracing back to the early days when it was one of her first loves. Her dedication to the sport has been nothing short of extraordinary, and she reflects on her journey with gratitude and satisfaction. “Soccer has been a part of me for 30 years,” she shared. “It was one of the first things I ever loved. I poured everything into this sport, and in return, I received more than I could have ever imagined.”
Morgan’s career is adorned with remarkable achievements, including two Olympic medals. She played a pivotal role in guiding Team USA to gold at the 2012 London Olympics and bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Games. Her influence on the U.S. Women’s National Team is undeniable, as she is celebrated not only as a prolific goal scorer but also as a symbol of success and resilience in women’s soccer.
In her retirement announcement, Morgan expressed her view of success as a relentless pursuit. “Success for me has always been about never giving up and giving my all,” she stated. “I’ve done that every single day on the field and beyond. I’ve given my all in the push for global investment in women’s sports, and I believe we deserve that recognition and support.”
The emotional weight of her retirement was made even more poignant as Morgan shared a touching moment with her daughter. Her four-year-old, Charlie, recently expressed a desire to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a soccer player. This simple statement filled Morgan with immense pride. “Charlie told me the other day that she wants to be a soccer player when she grows up. It made me incredibly proud, not necessarily because I want her to follow this path, but because it signifies that the changes we’ve made are creating a visible impact. We’re paving the way for future generations, and I’m proud of my role in that transformation.”
The retirement announcement took a joyful turn as Morgan revealed she is expecting her second child. “This isn’t the retirement video I had envisioned when I first considered this decision,” she admitted. “But now, with Charlie about to become a big sister, I’m filled with unexpected joy.” Morgan, who is married to professional soccer player Servando Carrasco, her college sweetheart from UC Berkeley, shared the news of their growing family with excitement and anticipation.
Family has always been a cornerstone of Morgan’s life and career. She acknowledged the unwavering support she has received from her husband and loved ones throughout her 15-year professional journey. “Family means everything to me,” Morgan said. “I wouldn’t be here without the constant support, encouragement, and sacrifices made by my husband and my family. Their belief in me has been a driving force.”
Morgan’s final match with the San Diego Wave is set for this Sunday, providing one last opportunity for fans to witness her brilliance on the field. “I want to thank the fans for their incredible support,” she said. “Your encouragement has magnified everything we’ve done. I also need to express my gratitude to my team behind the scenes—my teammates, coaches, and staff. Each of you has played a role in shaping who I am today and helping me reach this point in my career.”
As she prepares to step away from the game that has defined her life, Morgan’s reflections are filled with appreciation and gratitude. “I’ve been profoundly shaped by soccer and the people who have been part of this journey,” she concluded. “I’m forever grateful for the experiences and the support I’ve received. I’m looking forward to celebrating one last game with all of you. It’s been an incredible ride, and I thank you all for being a part of it.”
Alex Morgan’s retirement marks the end of an era but also the beginning of new chapters—both for her personal life and the future of women’s soccer. Her legacy, marked by determination, success, and a commitment to advancing the sport, will continue to inspire generations to come.
Alex Morgan’s professional soccer career highlights and accolades
In 2009, at just 20 years old, Alex Morgan entered the U.S. Women’s National Team training camp, marking the start of a legendary 15-year journey that would cement her status as one of the most iconic figures in soccer history. From her debut to her retirement, Morgan has been a central figure on and off the field, influencing the game with her remarkable skill and leadership.
Morgan made an immediate impact when she scored her first international goal against China in 2010. Over her career, she added goals against 32 different nations to her tally. That same year, she played a crucial role in securing a spot for the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup by scoring in stoppage time during a Women’s World Cup playoff against Italy, leading the U.S. to a 1-0 victory.
With 123 goals, Morgan ranks fifth on the all-time USWNT scoring list and has tallied 53 assists, placing her ninth in U.S. history. Her impressive stats include nine goals in 22 World Cup matches and six goals across 16 Olympic appearances.
Morgan’s contributions to the national team are further highlighted by the team’s remarkable record of 177 wins, 15 losses, and 32 draws in matches she played. She captained the USWNT on 23 occasions and scored in 86 of her 224 international appearances. Remarkably, the team never lost a match in which Morgan scored, achieving 76 victories and 10 draws.
Morgan’s career is also distinguished by her impressive goal and assist tally of 176 combined, placing her fifth in USWNT history behind legends such as Mia Hamm, Abby Wambach, Kristine Lilly, and Carli Lloyd. Her outstanding performance at the 2012 London Olympics included three goals and four assists, highlighted by a dramatic header in the 123rd minute against Canada that secured a 4-3 semifinal win for the U.S.
The year 2012 was particularly notable for Morgan, as she scored 28 goals and provided 21 assists, a feat matched only by Mia Hamm in 1998 among American players.
Morgan’s final goal in a U.S. jersey came on February 23, 2024, against Argentina during the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup. Her career was adorned with numerous accolades, including the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year awards in 2012 and 2018, six FIFA FIFPRO World XI selections, and four CONCACAF Female Player of the Year titles.
In a historic moment during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Morgan scored against Brazil, surpassing Joy Fawcett to become the all-time leading USWNT goal scorer among mothers, with 14 goals.
Off the field, the San Dimas, California native has graced the covers of prominent magazines such as Time, Adweek, Sports Illustrated, SI for Kids, and Glamour, further solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the sport.
