US soccer legend Alex Morgan is retiring from the sport, as he announced on social media on Thursday morning.
Morgan finished her career with 224 caps for the U.S. national team, scoring 123 goals, the fifth-most of all time. She also has the ninth most appearances of any woman for the Stars and Stripes.
Morgan was recently left off the USA Olympic squad by new head coach Emma Hayes, putting her international career in doubt, and now she is hanging up her boots for good.
“Growing up on this team, it was so much more than football,” Morgan said in a press release. “It was the friendships and unwavering respect and support for one another, the tireless commitment to global investment in women’s sport and the defining moments of success both on and off the field.”
“I feel incredibly honored to have been able to loan the crest for more than 15 years. I have learned so much about myself during that time and much of that is thanks to my teammates and our fans.”
Alex Morgan has retired from football as one of the most successful Americans of all time
Morgan fought back tears as she announced her resignation on social media on Thursday
“I am incredibly proud of the development of this team and will forever be a USWNT fan. While my desire to succeed has always driven me, what I have received in return has been more than I could have ever asked for or hoped for,” Morgan concluded.
Morgan has played for the San Diego Wave in the NWSL for the past two years. She has been based primarily in the USA for her club soccer, but has also played for traditional European clubs Lyon and Tottenham.
She ranks fifth in USWNT history in total goals and assists, behind only Mia Ham, Abby Wambach, Carli Lloyd and Kristine Lilly.
Morgan holds the USWNT record for most goals as a mother with 16 goals, surpassing Joy Fawcett last year.
After giving birth to her daughter Charlie in 2020, Morgan represented the United States at the Tokyo Olympics and last year’s World Championships.
Morgan captained the Wave in her final professional game against the Washington Spirit on Sunday. She left the field in the 70th minute and gave no indication that this was her soccer swan song.
