Alex Morgan bids farewell to professional football after 15 years

US soccer icon, Alex Morgan bade an emotional farewell to football as she played her final game on Sunday.

The two-time Women’s World Cup winner announced her decision to retire on Thursday after revealing she was pregnant with her second child.

She played the first 13 minutes in her final match, in the San Diego Wave game against North Carolina Courage. She was subbed out of the game to an ovation at San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium.

“I did everything I ever wanted to do and more. With this decision, I feel so at peace because I am ready to start my family. Also ready to hang up the boots and allow the next generation to flourish and just relish in the spotlight”, she said afterward.

It was her 63rd appearance for the Wave and was commemorated with a No. 63 jersey before the game. Overall, it was her 150th career appearance in National Women’s Soccer League.

The 35-year-old striker led San Diego’s players onto the field at the Snapdragon Stadium, posing for photos with family and friends before the kickoff.

Fans held up posters with message “Thank You Alex”. Other fans and loved ones wore T-shirts with the slogan “SAND13GOAT”, referencing her club and shirt number.

The farewell didn’t go quite smoothly, as Morgan’s 10th-minute penalty was saved just seconds before San Diego equalised.

Morgan was then substituted in the 13th minute, reflecting her jersey number. She blew kisses, hugged each of her teammates before leaving the field to repeated chants of “Alex Morgan.”

“What a ride it has been,” Morgan said to the crowd after the match.

“I want to thank my teammates who have constantly challenged me every day and made me better. There have been so many incredible moments in my career but this last moment I share on the field with you I will cherish forever. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

Morgan thanked her family and fans for support and sacrifice, noting how they have all pushed her to be her best self every day.

“You pushed me to be the best soccer player, the best mom, the best person I could be just showing up every day and supporting me, encouraging me, challenging me, criticizing me at times. So many people helped. I just thank you so much”, she expressed.

Alex Morgan was one of the world’s best women’s players during her career. She was also a part of the golden generation of American women who paved the way for football.

She won the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 and 2019.  Also known for her work off the field as she pushed for equality in women’s and men’s sports, alongside legend Megan Rapinoe.

Morgan has 123 international goals to her  career, fifth on the US women’s national team all-time list, with 53 assists. She scored her first international goal in 2010 against China, founding the net against 32 nations afterwards. She scored the most against Japan, 12 goals.

Her final game for the USWNT was against South Korea, on June 4, 2024.

Morgan played in 22 Women’s World Cup matches and scored nine goals while netting six goals in 16 Olympic matches.

She has 60 NWSL goals, making her fourth all-time in NWSL history. She also has 12 goals during her stint with Olympique Lyon in 2017. two with Tottenham in 2020.

Aside owning two World Cup title and Olympic gold medal, she also has the UEFA Women’s Champions League, French League, French Cup and NWSL championship in her cabinet.

She has over 20 titles and several individual awards including two-times US Soccer Athlete of the Year and four-times CONCACAF Player of the Year.

Morgan has also made the list of the FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11 on six occasions. Also named in IFFHS Women’s World Team of the Decade and IFFHS CONCACAF World Team of the Decade from 2011-2022.

She was a FIFA World Player of the Year finalist in 2012. Also made the final list twice for The Best FIFA Player of the Year, 2019 and 2022.

Alex Morgan ended her career as one of the greatest women footballer in history.