Alex Morgan, a name synonymous with women’s soccer excellence, recently announced her retirement from professional soccer. For fans wondering, What Club Does Alex Morgan Play For?, she last played for San Diego Wave FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Her decision marks the end of an era for both club and international soccer, leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled achievements and dedication to the sport. Morgan concluded her remarkable journey on the field with San Diego Wave at Snapdragon Stadium on September 8th, 2024.
In her retirement video, Alex Morgan shared, “I’m retiring. I have so much clarity about this decision. 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.” At 35 years old, Morgan steps away after a stellar 13.5-year career, having graced top-tier leagues in both the United States and Europe, and becoming an iconic figure for the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT). Her contributions include an astounding record of over 200 goals and 88 assists across 337 appearances in total for club and country.
Alex Morgan’s Final Chapter: Leading San Diego Wave FC
San Diego Wave FC holds a special place in Alex Morgan’s career narrative as her final professional club. Joining the team on July 24, 2022, she quickly became instrumental to their success. During her time with the Wave, Morgan made 50 appearances in NWSL action, netting 23 goals and providing 9 assists. Her impact was immediate; in the club’s inaugural 2022 season, she led the scoring charts with 16 goals, clinching the NWSL Golden Boot.
As captain, Morgan spearheaded San Diego Wave to unprecedented heights. The team made history as the first NWSL expansion team to reach the playoffs in their very first season. Building on this momentum, they secured their first major trophy in their second year, winning the 2023 NWSL Shield. Alex Morgan’s legacy at San Diego Wave is cemented as the club’s all-time leader in both goals (28) and assists (11). For fans wanting to know what club did Alex Morgan play for at the end of her career, San Diego Wave FC is the definitive answer.
A Journey Through Club Soccer: From Flash to Lyon to Pride
Before her impactful stint with San Diego Wave FC, Alex Morgan’s club career spanned several prominent teams. Prior to joining the Wave, she played for Orlando Pride across multiple periods, initially joining in October 2015 as an expansion side player. In her time with Orlando Pride, Morgan showcased her scoring ability, tallying 23 goals in 66 appearances (64 starts).
A significant chapter in her club journey was a brief but successful period with Olympique Lyonnais in 2017. Playing in Europe, she contributed to Lyon’s triumphs in both the UEFA Women’s Champions League and the French Cup, adding international club silverware to her already impressive collection.
Going further back, Morgan was among the allocated players in the NWSL’s inaugural year in 2013, joining Portland Thorns FC. She immediately made her mark, leading the team in scoring and playing a pivotal role in securing the inaugural NWSL Championship for the Thorns. Her professional club career began with Western New York Flash, who selected her as the number one overall pick in the 2011 WPS Draft. She contributed to their WPS Championship win, marking a strong start to her professional journey.
International Icon: Alex Morgan and the USWNT
Alex Morgan’s impact extended far beyond club soccer, reaching legendary status with the United States Women’s National Team. Since her debut in 2010, she earned 224 appearances for the USWNT, scoring an impressive 123 goals across all competitions. This places her among the top 10 in USWNT history for goals, assists, and multi-goal games.
Her international accolades include appearances in four FIFA Women’s World Cups, winning titles in 2015 and 2019. She also claimed Olympic gold in 2012 and bronze in 2020, showcasing her consistent performance on the world’s biggest stages. In 2012, Morgan joined Mia Hamm as the only American women to achieve 20 goals and 20 assists in a single calendar year. At the 2019 World Cup, she earned the Silver Boot, scoring six goals and providing three assists.
Her individual recognitions are equally impressive, including being named U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year twice (2012, 2018), FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11 selection five times, and CONCACAF Player of the Year four times.
More Than Goals: Morgan’s Enduring Legacy
Beyond her on-field achievements, Alex Morgan’s influence extends through her philanthropic endeavors. The launch of the Alex Morgan Foundation in 2023 underscores her commitment to empowering young girls in sports and advocating for gender equality. Her co-founding of Togethxr, a media platform amplifying women’s voices in sports, further demonstrates her dedication to broader impact.
Announcing her retirement while also expecting her second child with husband Servando Carrasco, Alex Morgan closes this chapter with a focus on family and future endeavors. Her career will be remembered not only for the trophies and goals but also for her significant contribution to elevating women’s soccer globally. For those still wondering what team does Alex Morgan play for, it’s important to remember her final club, San Diego Wave FC, where she solidified her legacy before stepping into retirement, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
