SAN DIEGO (Sept. 5, 2024) — In a landmark announcement that has reverberated throughout the soccer world, Alex Morgan, the celebrated San Diego Wave FC forward and U.S. Women’s National Team legend, has confirmed her retirement from professional soccer. Widely regarded as one of the sport’s all-time greats, Morgan will officially conclude her remarkable career this Sunday, September 8th, at Snapdragon Stadium, proudly representing San Diego Wave one last time.
“I’m retiring. I have so much clarity about this decision,” Alex Morgan stated in her retirement video, addressing fans directly. “It has been a long time coming, and 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. The impact we have on the next generation is irreversible, and I am proud of the hand I had in making that happen, pushing the game forward, and leaving it in a place that I am so happy and proud of.”
At 35 years old, Morgan’s retirement marks the end of an extraordinary 13 and a half year journey at the pinnacle of professional soccer. Her career spanned across top-tier leagues in both the United States and Europe, solidifying her status as an icon for the United States Women’s National Team. Accumulating over 200 goals and 88 assists in an astounding 337 appearances, Morgan’s contributions to the sport are undeniable. She will retire from San Diego Wave as the club’s all-time leader in goals (28) and assists (11). On the international stage, Morgan’s legacy is further cemented as she ranks among the top 10 in USWNT history for goals, assists, and multi-goal performances.
Her illustrious career is decorated with a plethora of individual accolades. Morgan was twice named U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year (2012, 2018), consistently recognized in the FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11 (2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022), and honored as CONCACAF Player of the Year four times (2013, 2016, 2017, 2018). Beyond individual awards, Morgan has secured team success, winning an NWSL Championship, NWSL Shield, NWSL Challenge Cup, and the prestigious UEFA Women’s Champions League title.
On the international stage, Alex Morgan’s impact with the U.S. Women’s National Team began in 2010 and has been nothing short of legendary. Donning the USWNT jersey in 224 matches, she scored 123 goals across all competitions, placing her fifth on the nation’s all-time scoring list. Morgan represented her country at four FIFA Women’s World Cups, triumphantly lifting the trophy in 2015 and 2019. Her Olympic achievements include a gold medal in 2012 and a bronze in 2020, further solidifying her status as an elite competitor. The year 2012 saw Morgan join Mia Hamm in the record books as the only American women to achieve 20 goals and 20 assists in a single calendar year, culminating in 28 goals and 21 assists. In the 2019 World Cup, she earned the Silver Boot, scoring six goals and providing three assists.
At the club level, Alex Morgan’s journey with San Diego Wave commenced on July 24, 2022. She made 50 appearances for the club in NWSL action, scoring 23 goals and providing 9 assists. In the club’s inaugural season of 2022, Morgan led the scoring charts with 16 goals, earning the NWSL Golden Boot. As captain, she spearheaded San Diego Wave to unprecedented success, becoming the first expansion team in NWSL history to reach the playoffs in their first year. The subsequent season saw the club clinch their first trophy, the 2023 NWSL Shield.
Prior to joining San Diego Wave, Morgan was a key player for Orlando Pride across several seasons, initially joining in October 2015. During her time with Orlando, she recorded 23 goals in 66 appearances (64 starts). In 2017, she experienced European soccer with Olympique Lyonnais, contributing to their UEFA Women’s Champions League and French Cup victories.
Morgan’s NWSL career began as an original allocated player in 2013 with Portland Thorns. She led the team in scoring and played a crucial role in securing the inaugural NWSL Championship. Her professional career started as the number one overall pick in the 2011 WPS Draft by the Western New York Flash, where she immediately won the WPS Championship.
Alex Morgan’s influence extends far beyond her on-field achievements. Her philanthropic endeavors include launching the Alex Morgan Foundation in 2023, dedicated to supporting and empowering young girls in sports. This foundation is a testament to Morgan’s long-standing advocacy for gender equality, inspired by her experiences as a professional athlete and a mother. She is also a co-founder of Togethxr, a media platform amplifying the voices and stories of women in sports and beyond.
Adding another chapter to her life, Morgan announced on Thursday morning her pregnancy with her second child with husband Servando Carrasco. The couple welcomed their first child, Charlie, in May 2020. As Alex Morgan steps away from the professional soccer pitch, her legacy as a player, advocate, and inspiration will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.
