Alex Morgan Bids an Emotional Farewell to Professional Football

American striker Alex Morgan, an iconic figure in women's football, concluded her illustrious career with the San Diego Wave in a match against North Carolina Courage, MARCA reported. In front of 26,000 fans at Snapdragon Stadium, Morgan’s final game was marked by a poignant tribute from her teammates, coaching staff, and supporters. Despite missing a 10th-minute penalty before being substituted three minutes later, she received a standing ovation, making her farewell deeply emotional. Addressing the audience post-match, Morgan simply stated, "What a ride it's been."

Morgan, 35, recently announced her retirement upon discovering she is pregnant with her second child. Throughout her 15-year career at the top echelons of women's football, she amassed impressive accolades: two World Cup victories with the USA in 2015 and 2019, and a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics.

Reflecting on her journey, Morgan expressed heartfelt gratitude to her teammates, saying, "My teammates have constantly challenged me and made me better... Thank you from the bottom of my heart." A stalwart of the US Women's National Team (USWNT), Morgan made her debut in 2009 and scored 123 goals in 224 appearances, the fifth-best tally in the team's history. However, she was not called up by new manager Emma Hayes for the 2024 Paris Games.

Morgan's club career is decorated with achievements, including a league title with Portland Thorns in 2013, a treble with Lyon, including a Women's Champions League win in 2017, and a brief stint with Tottenham in 2020. Joining the San Diego Wave in 2020, she ended her career by scoring 28 goals in 63 matches, playing a crucial role in securing the Supporters’ Shield.

Off the field, Morgan has been a vocal advocate for gender equality, notably participating in a landmark 2019 lawsuit for equal pay against US Soccer, resulting in a 2022 agreement. As she steps away from the pitch, Morgan leaves behind a legacy of excellence and advocacy.