On an emotional night in San Diego, soccer legend Alex Morgan bid farewell to the sport she helped elevate. Fighting back tears, Morgan waved to the crowd as she walked off the field for the final time, capping a stellar career that spanned over a decade. The two-time Women’s World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist announced her retirement after revealing she is expecting her second child at the age of 35.
Morgan played her final match for the San Diego Wave, donning the captain’s armband and starting the game against North Carolina Courage. She played for 13 symbolic minutes, a nod to her jersey number, before exiting to a standing ovation at Snapdragon Stadium. Reflecting on her retirement, Morgan expressed contentment with her decision: “I did everything I ever wanted to do and more. I feel at peace because I am ready to start my family and allow the next generation to flourish and relish in the spotlight.”
The pre-game ceremony honored Morgan’s 63rd appearance for the Wave, marked by a commemorative No. 63 jersey, and her milestone 150th career appearance in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The video scoreboard displayed highlights from her illustrious career, and Morgan’s daughter, Charlie, accompanied her on the field alongside over 95 family members and friends who attended the match.
In a tribute to her memorable ‘tea sipping’ celebration during the 2019 World Cup, the Wave’s starting lineup posed for a photo mimicking the iconic moment. Morgan’s illustrious international career saw her win two World Cup titles, an Olympic gold medal in 2012, and numerous accolades, including U.S. Soccer Player of the Year honors in 2012 and 2018. She played in 224 matches for the U.S. national team, scoring 123 goals and recording 53 assists.
As she exited the field, Morgan removed her cleats at midfield, fighting back tears as the crowd held a tifo in the supporters’ section that read, “For Country, Club, Community.” Despite the nearly 100-degree heat, a record crowd of 26,516 fans packed Snapdragon Stadium to witness Morgan’s farewell. Among the attendees was San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove, who came straight from his game to watch the iconic moment.
“12,000 tickets were sold in one day when she announced it would be her final game,” NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman said, highlighting Morgan’s impact on the sport and the community.
Though North Carolina Courage won the game 4-1, stopping Morgan’s penalty, the night was dedicated to celebrating her remarkable career. San Diego Wave coach Landon Donovan shared a personal story about how Morgan inspired his daughter, making her fall in love with women’s sports, further demonstrating Morgan’s far-reaching influence.
Off the field, Morgan’s legacy extends beyond her achievements. She has been a vocal advocate for gender equality, playing a pivotal role in the U.S. women’s national team’s fight for equal pay, which culminated in a landmark agreement in 2022. Morgan also championed reforms in the NWSL, advocating for an anti-harassment policy after a major misconduct scandal in 2021.
As she steps into the next chapter of her life, Morgan looks forward to cheering on both the San Diego Wave and the U.S. national team, while continuing her advocacy for players. “The next Alex Morgan is out there, both in the stands and on the field every weekend,” she said. “It is truly impressive what we have accomplished in the United States, offering soccer an outstanding opportunity to expand and reach its full potential.”