From first goal to final goodbye: Alex Morgan’s farewell to U.S. Women’s National Team

Fifteen years ago, Alex Morgan introduced herself to U.S. football fans with her first goal in Chester, Pennsylvania.

On Thursday (23 October), the recently retired forward waved goodbye from the same place. The arc of her phenomenal career, in which she bloomed into a global icon, had come full circle—ending where it began.

“It was one of the best moments that I can remember with the team because it was really the start of something great for me,” she told U.S. Soccer.

“It was a great first goal and I’m excited to be back at the stadium to be honoured this way so many years later.”

Few could have predicted just how much of a global powerhouse the then 21-year-old would go on to become.

Achievements on the pitch speak volumes – multiple World Cup titles, Olympic medals, and 123 goals in 224 appearances.

Yet it was what she did off the pitch that really kick-started a legacy which would send the women’s game soaring worldwide.

Morgan’s activism is another aspect that sets her apart.

Her fight for better conditions domestically and on the national team has ensured that the California native retires from a sport in much better condition than when she came into it.

Alex Morgan defined a generation of women’s football – now she passes the baton

Alex Morgan: The face of U.S. football

In the run-up to honouring Morgan, the current head coach of the USWNT—Emma Hayes—had plenty to say about the player who defined a period of this team’s success.

The English coach called for recognition of a career that transcended all expectations, winning it all on home soil and in Europe.

“There was nothing she didn’t achieve; she was a player that epitomised everything this program is about,” Hayes said of the iconic no.13.

“She is an unbelievable credit to her family because her drive, her desire, her determination to prove herself at the highest level is second to none.

“You can’t go anywhere in this country without them talking about Alex Morgan, and I think the sport should show a lot of gratitude to that. She is, without question, one of the most recognisable faces in our sport.”

For Morgan, however, nothing matters more than people recognising her as someone who fought on and off the pitch – for herself and for her teammates.

“I would love for people to know that I was as dedicated on the field as I was off the field,” she expressed to TNT Sports.

“Off the field, that was fighting for women’s sports, fighting for girls to have equal opportunity, fighting for and prioritising my family.

“Just know that I fought for my team on the pitch and I fought for myself and my team off it.”

Alex Morgan: Making an impact even in retirement

Morgan bows out of the playing side with so much pride for everything she has achieved over the last 15 years.

Given her mainstay status, fans can expect to still see her in and around anything involving women’s sports as she aims to continue driving them to the very top.

That includes her work with the San Diego Wave in the NWSL, where the striker spent the last few years of her playing career.

“I am part of the ownership group and intend to have an active role,” she told FIFA.

“I am continuing to stay active in other ways like with my media company, which focuses on women’s sports and highlights female athletes in general.

“There are always threads that keep me busy and connected to the sport—I also have a foundation which is a vehicle for girls to gain self-esteem and confidence, with girls’ empowerment camps.”

Morgan helped redefine the sport, leaving a legacy that lives on in others who dare to dream because she showed them what was possible.

It may be the end of an era and the changing of the guard, but the passion remains.

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