Alex Morgan announces retirement from professional women’s soccer
“Success for me is defined by never giving up and giving your all, and I did just that”
In a social media post that sent shockwaves around the world of women’s sport, Alex Morgan officially announced her retirement from professional women’s soccer as of her final match with San Diego Wave F.C. taking place on September 8th against the North Carolina Courage. Alex Morgan, cited her pregnancy as one of the many factors in her decision, but also mentioning having made peace with the decision as early as the beginning of the 2024 season.
With a resume stacked with World Cup titles, Olympic medals, and a slew of individual accolades, Morgan steps away from the field as more than just a soccer player; she leaves as an icon who has reshaped the landscape of women’s sports on a global scale.
In her press conference on Friday September 6th, 2024 Alex remarked about the fact that it was never her plan to retire midway through the season. She was proud of the her contribution to the growth of her club in the city of San Diego, and also especially proud of her growth within the U.S. Women’s National team.
Morgan burst onto the international scene in 2010, quickly establishing herself as a pivotal force for the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT). Her contributions helped secure two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles — the exhilarating victory in 2015 and the dominant triumph in 2019. The latter saw her score six goals, earning her the Silver Boot and gifting fans with that unforgettable tea-sipping celebration that turned into a viral sensation. On the Olympic stage, she added a gold medal from London 2012 and a bronze from Tokyo 2020 to her collection, solidifying her position as one of the most decorated athletes in women’s soccer history.
But Morgan’s influence stretches far beyond her stats. She has been a vocal advocate for gender equality, leveraging her platform to demand equal pay and recognition for female athletes. As a lead plaintiff in the USWNT’s lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation, Morgan pushed for equity and successfully negotiated a landmark settlement that secured equal pay for the women’s team, a game-changing victory that sent ripples through the sports world. It wasn’t just about dollars and cents; it was about rewriting the narrative of how female athletes are valued and treated.
Off the field, Morgan co-founded TOGETHXR, a media company committed to elevating women’s sports stories and challenging outdated norms. In a sports culture often obsessed with male achievement, TOGETHXR serves as a powerful reminder that women’s stories deserve their own space — and Alex Morgan is at the forefront of that movement. Her media efforts represent a push for change, sparking conversations that force us to rethink the status quo in sports coverage and storytelling.
Her next moves remain unclear, but what is certain is that Morgan’s influence won’t fade. She has already laid the groundwork for a future where female athletes are not just participants but powerful agents of change. The world of women’s sports has been irrevocably altered by Alex Morgan, and this is just the beginning of her lasting impact.
