Alex Morgan waves to the crowd after her farewell game. (Photo by Kaelin Mendez/Getty Images)
26,516 spectators filled the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego on Sunday to say goodbye to US soccer legend Alex Morgan, who crowned an incredible 15-year career.
Morgan announced in a social media post on Thursday that she would retire from professional soccer after winning two FIFA Women’s World Cups (2015 and 2019) and an Olympic gold medal (2012) with the U.S. women’s national team.
The 35-year-old, who is pregnant with her second child, played her last game when the San Diego Wave lost 4-1 to North Carolina Courage in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Emotional farewell speech
Alex Morgan walks with her daughter Charlie before the game against North Carolina Courage in … (+)
Wearing the captain’s armband, Morgan took to the field with her four-year-old daughter Charlie, making her 150th appearance in the American top league.
It was her 63rd appearance for the Wave, who celebrated the occasion by presenting her with the number 63 jersey at the pre-game ceremony.
Morgan played 13 minutes in Sunday’s farewell match before she was substituted to applause and burst into tears. The 35-year-old striker then left the field with her football boots in her hand.
“It was a great time,” Morgan said in her farewell speech after the game. “I want to thank my teammates who challenged me every day and made me better.”
“I want to thank my family who have supported me tirelessly and sacrificed so much for me. I love you all – all 95 of you here tonight.
“The fans… you guys pushed me every day to be my best. You pushed me to be the best soccer player, to be the best mom, to be the best person I can be, just being there every day, supporting me, encouraging me, challenging me, sometimes criticizing me. I just thank you so much,” she added.
Historic game
Fans hold signs for Alex Morgan of San Diego Wave FC after the game against North Carolina … (+)
Morgan’s farewell game was the first women’s sporting event to be shown simultaneously on multiple networks in the United States: NWSL+, Paramount+, CBS Sports Network, Prime Video, ESPN2 and ESPN+ broadcast the game on Sunday night.
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman said 12,000 tickets were sold in one day after Morgan announced her retirement, highlighting the importance of the two-time world champion.
“I know people from Alaska, Massachusetts, Colorado, Florida … honestly all over the country, have come here with three days’ notice. Thank you,” Morgan said.
“There have been so many incredible moments in my career, but this final moment shared with you on the field is one I will remember forever. So thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Morgan was briefly involved in her departure when her penalty was saved by the Courage goalkeeper in the 10th minute.
Incredible career
Alex Morgan of the USA celebrates with the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy and the Silver Boot … (+)
Morgan has been a part of the NWSL since its inception in 2013, scoring 60 goals during her stints with the San Diego Wave, Orlando Pride and Portland Thorns.
She also won the 2022 NWSL Golden Boot with 15 goals and led Portland to their first-ever NWSL championship in 2013.
Outside the United States, Morgan played for French club Lyon, winning the league, French Cup and UEFA Champions League with them during the 2016-17 season. She also played briefly for English team Tottenham Hotspur.
Morgan made 224 appearances for the USWNT, scoring 123 goals (fifth all-time) and 53 assists (ninth all-time).
Morgan, the two-time U.S. Soccer Player of the Year, played her final game with the United States on June 4, 2024, in a friendly against South Korea. She was not part of the team that won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
Off the field, Morgan is a pioneer in equal pay and equal treatment for women in sports.
