Football

USWNT's Alex Morgan announces retirement: Caitlin Clark, Mia Hamm and the best social media reactions

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2m ago

Sep 06, 2024 / 7998 Views

Evan Walker

On Thursday, United States women's national team forward Alex Morgan announced her retirement from soccer effective Sunday when the San Diego Wave host the North Carolina Courage on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Golazo Network. Morgan is one of the most accomplished members ever of the USWNT with 123 goals in her 224 caps. The team is undefeated in the 86 matches that she has scored a goal in and Morgan also has two FIFA Women's World Cup titles and an Olympic gold.

"I'm gonna get to the point quickly," she said on Thursday on her social media. "I'm retiring, and I have so much clarity about this decision, and I'm so happy to be able to finally tell you. It has been a long time coming, and this decision wasn't easy, but at the beginning of 2024, I felt in my heart and soul that this was the last season that I would play soccer. Soccer has been a part of me for 30 years, and it was one of the first things that I ever loved, and I gave everything to this sport, and what I got in return was more than I could have ever dreamed of," Morgan said in her video farewell.

Thank you🫶 pic.twitter.com/8BkofVOh3s
— Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) September 5, 2024

But Morgan's achievements go far beyond the soccer field. She launched the Alex Morgan Foundation to create opportunities for women on and off the pitch while also being a strong backer of equal rights and other initiatives. Morgan's work helped create the first ever anti-harassment policy in the NWSL in 2021.

Here's how many soccer figures, including ex-teammates, reacted:

Former USWNT midfielder Heather O'Reilly

A ton of love and respect. Alex has carried a ton of expectation year after year. Banging in goal after goal. Signing autograph after autograph. The face of the sport but she backed it up with hard work and impact. Congrats Alex. You did that, Baby Horse ❤️💪🏻🐎. @alexmorgan13 https://t.co/HBzna5oymv
— Heather O'Reilly (@HeatherOReilly) September 5, 2024

U.S. Soccer icon Mia Hamm

Congrats to you and your family! So grateful for all you have done for our game and its future. One last dance…enjoy it! https://t.co/TezwkH88f7
— Mia Hamm (@MiaHamm) September 5, 2024

Former coach of the San Diego Wave Casey Stoney:

The Game loses a great! The most professional athlete I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. You drove everyone around you to be better and challenged the status quo on a daily basis. Thank you for everything you have given our Game! Charlie can be so proud of her mom #ThankYou https://t.co/iktf6sbV2T
— Casey Stoney MBE 💙 (@CaseyStoney) September 5, 2024

Former USWNT midfielder Sam Mewis:

Sam writes: Alex Morgan's impact on soccer is unmatched. It was an honor to be teaMMAtes with someone who pushed the ceiling higher & pulled us up along with her. I have immense respect for Alex & her commitment to being her best, growing the Game & WINNING. Thank you, Alex ❤️ pic.twitter.com/lwKt1pdffM
— The Women's Game (@WomensGameMIB) September 5, 2024

Replies from USMNT teammates

Sophia Smith: "I love you, thank you for everything."
Trinity Rodman: "Love u Alex!"
Mallory Pugh: "LOVE YOU AL"
Rose Lavelle: "Thank you Al"
Abby Dahlkemper: "Legend Al. There won't be another like you. Love you and so proud to have been able to share the field with you."

Want more coverage of women's soccer? Listen below and make sure to watch Attacking Third on Golazo Network Monday and Friday for all your USWNT, NWSL and WSL women's soccer coverage.