USWNT legend Alex Morgan announces retirement from professional soccer

The long time USWNT co-captain and 5th all-time top goalscorer will play her final game in the sport on Sunday

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  An era has ended for the USWNT. Alex Morgan, who has 223 caps and 123 goals for the national team, said Thursday that she will play her final game in soccer on Sunday. The forward also revealed that she is pregnant with her second child - which factored in her decision to hang up her boots.

  Morgan will walk away from the game as one of the more decorated goalscorers of all time. She found the net 205 times in over 400 career appearances for club and country. Her trophy cabinet includes two World Cup winner's medals, an Olympic Gold, and six SheBelieves Cup titles.

NWSL

San Diego Wave FC
San Diego Wave FC
2024-10-14T00:00:00.000Z00:00

Houston Dash
Houston Dash
Friendlies

USA
USA
2024-10-24T23:30:00.000Z23:30

Iceland
Iceland
• WHAT SHE SAID

  In a video shared on social media, Morgan explained her decision to retire mid-season: "I'm gonna get to the point quickly. I am retiring and I have so much clarity about this decision and I'm so happy to be able to finally tell you. It has been... a long time coming, this decision wasn't easy. But at the beginning of 2024, I felt, in my heart and soul, that this was the last season that I would play soccer. Soccer has been a part of me for 30 years."

• WHAT THEY SAID

  Her announcement led to an outpouring of support from the soccer world, with friends and teammates alike leaving comments below her message on Instagram.

  USWNT teammate Alyssa Thompson commented: "Legend🤍 I’m so happy I got the opportunity to play and learn from you. An inspiration forever."

  Centerback Abby Dahlkemper commented: "Legend Al. There won’t be another like you ❤️ love you and so proud to have been able to share the field with you ❤️."

  WNBA star Caitlin Clark was among those to weigh in: "Legend. 🐐🐐🐐🐐 congrats!!🖤"

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Morgan's international career faded of late. New manager Emmy Hayes didn't include the striker in what would become the gold-medal winning USWNT Olympic squad. The 35-year-old hasn't been a regular fixture in the U.S. setup since the reigning Olympic champions crashed out of the World Cup in the knockout stage last year. Hayes has ushered in a new era of the side, using Sophia Smith as a central striker, limiting Morgan's role with the USWNT.

  Still, she will leave the national team with 176 combined goals and assists - fifth on the all-time list.

• USA TODAY Sports

  WHAT NEXT FOR MORGAN?

  Morgan will suit up for the final time on Sunday, as the San Diego Wave will host North Carolina in an NWSL match. Her Wave side have eight games remaining and are outside of the playoff picture.