It’s been a whirlwind of changes for beloved soccer icon Alex Morgan, but everything seems to be falling perfectly into place. The longtime U.S. Women’s National Team star, at 35 years old, recently made headlines with a dual announcement that has fans buzzing: she is retiring from professional soccer and expecting her second child. This exciting news, shared in a heartfelt video last month, came just days before her final competitive match with the NWSL’s San Diego Wave FC, marking the end of an era on the field and the beginning of a new chapter focused on family.
Alex Morgan’s Pregnancy Announcement: A Joyful Surprise
Speaking with PEOPLE a month after her announcement, Morgan revealed that her second pregnancy was indeed a “surprise” for her and her husband, Servando Carrasco. This unexpected but joyous news has led to an earlier-than-anticipated shift in her retirement plans. “We’re just really looking forward to expanding our family,” the two-time World Cup champion shared, radiating happiness. “We’ve wanted to do this for a while, but we obviously wanted to find the right time. It came a few months earlier than anticipated, as the pregnancy was a little unexpected, but looking back I’m really grateful for how everything worked out.”
The accelerated timeline to retirement brought about a wave of “raw” emotions, Morgan described, creating a deeply moving experience for her and her family. The outpouring of support was immense, with hundreds of personal messages and thousands of online comments from fans and teammates flooding in after her retirement announcement.
Who Is Alex Morgan’s Husband? All About Soccer Player Servando Carrasco
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(997×516:999×518)/alex-morgan-last-soccer-game-100824-ddcdd25c475b4e11a7917a6318a66b0f.jpg)
Alex Morgan of San Diego Wave FC bids farewell to fans after her final game on September 8, 2024. This marked the end of a celebrated soccer career as she transitions to family life and her second pregnancy.
Retirement from Soccer: Closing One Chapter, Opening Another
Originally, Alex Morgan had envisioned concluding her illustrious soccer career after one final appearance with the USWNT at the 2024 Summer Olympics. However, disappointment struck when she was not selected for Emma Hayes’ Paris squad. This decision came as a blow to Morgan, who has been a pivotal figure in the USWNT’s success, contributing to two World Cup victories, an Olympic gold medal, and an Olympic bronze throughout her remarkable career.
“I wanted one last major tournament,” Morgan explained, reflecting on her aspirations. “I just know how much those have meant to me in the past, both the Olympics and World Cup, so it would have been great to end my career on a high at a major tournament. After the World Cup [in 2023], not being able to have gone far enough to be really proud, I wanted to be able to push for one more.” She acknowledged the team’s shift towards a younger generation and understood the direction. “As much as I wanted to continue with the team and make the Olympic roster, I understood there was always a possibility of that, given my last year, and my age, and how long I had been with the team. There was a sentiment of passing the torch. As disappointed as I was, I carried on and understood that this is life.”
Shortly after learning about the Olympic team selection, life took a beautiful turn. “Something beautifully unexpected happened and I got pregnant, so my body had other plans,” Morgan shared, highlighting the serendipitous nature of her pregnancy arriving at this juncture in her life.
Stay updated with the latest news on Alex Morgan and other inspiring figures – sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter.
Focusing on Family, Business, and Future Ventures
Having started her journey to global soccer stardom back in 2008 at the Under-20 Women’s World Cup, Alex Morgan is now enthusiastically embracing a new phase of her life. This chapter will center around her growing family, her various entrepreneurial ventures, and the Alex Morgan Foundation, which is proudly celebrating its first anniversary this month. Her foundation underscores her commitment to giving back and making a difference beyond the soccer field.
Abby Wambach Says the Decision to Cut Her Hair Short Changed Her Life: ‘I Stopped Worrying Too Much’ (Exclusive)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(715×198:717×200)/alex-morgan-instagram-100824-b0cf641b807c48738c1f49a4f5fcc802.jpg)
Alex Morgan shares a personal moment on Instagram, reflecting her life balance between professional achievements and family joys as she announces her second pregnancy and retirement.
Morgan’s entrepreneurial spirit is also evident in her partnership with Nourish, a telehealth company focused on nutritional well-being. She has recently appeared in several commercials for the brand, advocating for the importance of accessible nutritional guidance. “I know the impact that having a dietitian has had — not only on my playing career and the longevity of it — but also the different phases of my life in general, going through pregnancy and postpartum, changing my diet from a meat-heavy diet to more of a plant-based diet, and then transitioning to more of a vegetarian diet,” she explained. She emphasizes the value of expert support in navigating dietary changes and maintaining health, especially during significant life transitions like pregnancy.
Second Pregnancy: Prepared and Focused on Health
Drawing from her experience with her first pregnancy and raising her daughter Charlie, who was born in 2020, Morgan feels “a little bit more prepared” this time around. She and Carrasco are excited to welcome their second child and embrace the joys of a larger family.
All About Alex Morgan’s Daughter Charlie Carrasco
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(956×428:958×430)/alex-morgan-daughter-charlie-1-4fa270d09ad647f5b84ad8d09e5055a8.jpg)
Alex Morgan holding her daughter Charlie Carrasco, illustrating her role as both a world-class athlete and a devoted mother. Her second pregnancy is a much-anticipated chapter in her family life.
“I’m in a different position now where I just want the best health for the baby and myself, and not looking to get back to being a professional athlete but still wanting to live a very healthy lifestyle,” Morgan stated, reflecting on her current priorities. She continues to prioritize her health and well-being, working with a dietician to ensure she receives expert guidance. Even after enduring injuries in recent years, including an ankle injury during her final NWSL season, Morgan reports feeling “really good” physically. She’s even enjoying playing soccer with Charlie, who is already showing an interest in the sport.
With her retirement from professional soccer, Alex Morgan is embracing this new chapter with contentment and optimism. “I’m at peace,” Morgan concludes. “I’m just really happy with where I am now.” Her focus now shifts to family, health, and her various ventures, marking a fulfilling transition for the soccer star.
