Thursday, September 5, marked the day when U.S. Women's Soccer lost one of their greatest legends. At the age of 35, Alex Morgan called it quits from soccer to end an extraordinary career replete with titles, goals, and great influence on and off the pitch.
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An emotional video from Morgan on social media reflected upon her journey, her love for the sport, and all that came in bringing about the decision to hang up her boots. For the soccer world, her going means the end of an era, but her legacy remains-etched in sweats, victories, and her fight for equality that defined the iconic forward's career.
Brilliant and Unforgettable Career
Speaking about Alex Morgan, you are speaking way beyond a player who left her marks in the matches that she played in. You're talking about a person who helped redefine what it means to be a woman in soccer. Having played 224 games and scoring 123 goals for the USWNT, Morgan was a constant in every major international tournament over the past two decades. She lifted two World Cup trophies and won an Olympic gold medal, besides garnering many national and international titles with clubs such as San Diego Wave, Tottenham, Orlando Pride, Lyon, Portland Thorns, and Seattle Reign.
What makes her career different, though, isn't just in the trophies. Morgan stepped up as an outspoken advocate for women's rights in sports. She was an active voice on equal pay, working conditions, and the respect that women players are supposed to get. The repercussions of her playing career go way beyond the goals scored-in fact, further down the line, she made sure a path was well-lit for future generations of female athletes.
The Retirement Decision
Alex Morgan spoke clearly and emotionally during her retirement announcement video. "Soccer has been a part of me for 30 years. I gave everything I had, and what I got back was so much more than I could have ever imagined."
Actually, the decision to retire came at the beginning of 2024 when Morgan finally realized that this was going to be her last season as a pro. That call is never easy for someone to make after she has built such a long successful career. However, she said she felt the peace in her decision. Another influential factor in her retirement decision was expecting her second child. After this, Morgan began her life's new chapter, although the impact she made on women's soccer will go on longer.
Yet, one cannot speak of Alex Morgan without mentioning the lasting impact that she has. On the pitch, her knack for scoring goals of consequence in big games catapults her among the all-time greats; off the pitch, Morgan was an unrelenting crusader for women's rights and a leading figure in soccer players' struggle for equitable compensation. In 2019, she was at the forefront of the USWNT's fight to be paid the same as their male counterparts. The result? A game-changing deal that improved conditions for female athletes in the United States.
She was always accessible to fans, active on the field, and with ease won her way-her own special means-to help women's soccer reach its current heightened popularity across the nation. For millions of girls and young women, Alex Morgan represents living proof that big dreams combined with hard work amount to monumental success.
The Final Match
On September 9, Morgan will have one last chance to say goodbye in a match for San Diego Wave. This will be a celebration for one of the greatest athletes in soccer history. For Morgan's fans, it was the final opportunity to catch her in action and give weight to everything she had done for women's soccer.
For the last four seasons, home has been the San Diego Wave for Morgan. It is in front of adoring fans in San Diego that she will finally hang up her cleats and bid farewell to the pitch once and for all. Beyond retirement, though, her connection with soccer-whether as a commentator, ambassador, or activist-will not be lost.
Her Lasting Impact on the NWSL and Women's Soccer
But with Alex Morgan's departure, there is, indeed, a gaping hole in the NWSL; this also provides a perfect avenue for new stars to shine. The women's soccer scene of the United States has grown astronomically during Morgan's playing days, and much of that development and success could be attributed to the visibility and prestige lent to the sport.
The loss will indeed be something that is out of the ordinary for NWSL, but the legacy that Morgan has left will continue to be an inspiration for generations to come. She's a global icon outside the pitch, and somehow, her presence will linger for a long period of time.