Alex Morgan, one of the most iconic figures in women’s soccer, has officially announced her retirement from competitive play. The Olympic gold medalist and long-time star of the U.S. women’s national team (USWNT) shared the news with her fans on Thursday through a heartfelt video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“I’m retiring,” Morgan declared in the video, revealing the emotions behind her decision. I have so much clarity about this decision, and I am so happy to finally tell you. It has been a long time, 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.”

After an extraordinary career spanning over 15 years, Morgan leaves behind an impressive legacy. With 123 goals for the USWNT, she ranks fifth on the all-time goal-scoring list, cementing her status as one of the greatest players in U.S. soccer history. In addition to her goal-scoring prowess, Morgan contributed 53 assists, placing her ninth all-time in U.S. history. The team’s record during her tenure is equally staggering: 177 wins, 15 losses, and 32 draws in matches where she played.

Throughout her international career, Morgan made 224 appearances and scored in 86 matches—a record that highlights her consistency and ability to step up in critical moments. Remarkably, the USWNT never lost a match in which Morgan found the back of the net, tallying 76 wins and 10 draws. She also captained the team 23 times, leading by example both on and off the field.

Morgan’s impact goes far beyond statistics. She was a key figure in the USWNT’s FIFA Women’s World Cup triumphs in 2015 and 2019, contributing to one of the most successful eras in the team’s history. Her leadership, skill, and dedication helped elevate women’s soccer to new heights globally, and her advocacy for equality in sports continues to inspire.

“I grew up on this team; it was so much more than soccer,” Morgan said in a statement released by the U.S. Soccer Federation. “It was the friendships and the unwavering respect and support among each other, the relentless push for global investment in women’s sports, and the pivotal moments of success both on and off the field.”

Morgan’s words reflect her deep connection to the USWNT and the relationships she built throughout her career. “I am so incredibly honored to have borrowed the crest for more than 15 years. I learned so much about myself in that time, and so much of that is a credit to my teammates and our fans.”

As she steps away from the sport, Morgan expresses her pride in the future of the USWNT and her unwavering support for the next generation of players. “I feel immense pride in where this team is headed, and I will forever be a fan of the USWNT. My desire for success may have always driven me, but what I got in return was more than I could have ever asked and hoped for.”

While her retirement marks the end of an era in U.S. women’s soccer, Morgan’s personal life is about to enter a new chapter. In her retirement announcement, she revealed that she and her family are expecting another child. “I am pregnant,” she shared. “As unexpected as this came, we are so overjoyed. To me, family means everything. I wouldn’t be here without my family and my husband uplifting, motivating, encouraging, and supporting me, sacrificing for me over the last 15 years as a professional athlete.”

Morgan’s words underline the importance of family in her life and career, and she is excited for what lies ahead both as a mother and in her future endeavors outside of soccer.

Morgan is scheduled to play her final match for the USWNT on September 8, a moment that will undoubtedly be emotional for her and her countless fans. As she prepares to close this chapter, her legacy as one of the greatest soccer players and advocates for women’s sports will continue to inspire future generations. From her leadership on the field to her advocacy of it, Alex Morgan’s influence on the game and society is immeasurable.

Her retirement reminds us of the power of perseverance, passion, and purpose. As Morgan steps away from the game she loves, she leaves behind not just a legacy of goals and victories but also a lasting impact on soccer and beyond.