Alex Morgan’s Legacy: A Glorious End to a Soccer Icon’s Career
Alex Morgan announced her retirement from soccer in September 2024, concluding a remarkable career with the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) and several clubs in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Following her retirement, the San Diego Wave honored her legacy by retiring her iconic No. 13 jersey in September 2025.
Morgan’s career is marked by numerous achievements and records that solidify her status as one of the sport’s greats. Over her time with the USWNT, she earned a total of 223 caps, ranking her ninth on the all-time list. Her contributions on the field resulted in 123 goals, placing her fifth in the history of the national team.
Major Achievements and Contributions
During her tenure, Morgan showcased her scoring prowess in major tournaments, netting nine goals in the Women’s World Cup. This achievement ties her for fourth most in the USWNT’s history. She celebrated significant victories as a member of the USWNT, including championships in the 2015 and 2019 Women’s World Cups.
In addition to her international success, Morgan’s club career is equally impressive. She played for notable teams such as the Portland Thorns, where she secured an NWSL Championship in 2013, and later with the San Diego Wave and Orlando Pride. Throughout her NWSL career, she scored a remarkable 60 goals, further demonstrating her impact on the league.
Morgan’s accolades extend beyond scoring. She was a recipient of the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year award twice, in 2012 and 2018. Her performance in the 2022 NWSL season earned her the Golden Boot with 15 goals, showcasing her enduring talent even later in her career.
International Recognition and Honors
Morgan’s achievements also include earning a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics. She is noted for scoring six Olympic goals, making her the third highest scorer for the USWNT in Olympic history, trailing only Carli Lloyd and Abby Wambach.
Further solidifying her status in the sport, Morgan was selected for the FIFA FIFPro Women’s World XI six times and contributed to her team’s success by winning the SheBelieves Cup five times between 2016 and 2024.
As the world of women’s soccer continues to grow, Morgan’s impact will be felt for generations. Her leadership, skill, and dedication to the sport have inspired countless athletes around the globe. As we reflect on her illustrious career, it’s clear that Alex Morgan has left an indelible mark on soccer, both in the United States and beyond.
