In an emotional announcement, two-time Women's World Cup champion Alex Morgan revealed her retirement from professional soccer. The 35-year-old forward expressed her pride in pushing the game forward for young girls and shared the news of expecting her second child. Morgan, who knew at the beginning of the year that this would be her final season with the National Women's Soccer League, will play her last game with the San Diego Wave football club on Saturday.

Soccer has been an integral part of Morgan's life for three decades. In an Instagram video, she expressed her gratitude for all the opportunities and accomplishments the sport has brought her. Morgan emphasized that success, for her, was defined by never giving up and giving her all, a sentiment she believes she fulfilled.

Beyond her personal achievements, Alex Morgan has been instrumental in advocating for the relentless push for investment in women's sports. She shared a heartwarming moment she had with her 4-year-old daughter, Charlie, who expressed her desire to become a soccer player when she grows up. Morgan found immense pride not just in her daughter's aspirations, but also in the fact that a clear pathway exists for young girls today.

Notably, Morgan was part of the U.S. women's national soccer team that secured back-to-back FIFA Women's World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019. She was also an active figure in the team's fight for equality, as they sued U.S. Soccer over unequal pay with the men's team. In 2022, the U.S. Soccer federation settled the lawsuit for $24 million, a moment Morgan describes as a proud one. However, she believes there is still work to be done and calls on FIFA to truly equalize prize money and opportunities between men's and women's tournaments.

As a three-time Olympian, Morgan has earned gold and bronze medals representing Team USA. While she wasn't part of the roster for the 2024 Paris Games, she wholeheartedly supported her friends and former teammates from afar, sharing her enthusiasm over social media.

Expressing her gratitude, Morgan thanked her family, friends, fans, and team for their unwavering support throughout her career. The announcement drew an outpouring of supportive comments from fellow athletes, with many hailing her as an inspiration and commending her dedication to the sport.

Alex Morgan leaves behind a legacy that has undoubtedly shaped the face of women's soccer. With 123 goals and a rank of third for most two-goal games in the U.S. women's national team, Morgan joins the ranks of retired legends Mia Hamm and Abby Wambach. She credits her mentorship experience with Wambach as a pivotal moment in her career, describing it as a "big sister, little sister" moment.

As the curtain closes on her playing days, Alex Morgan's impact on the sport is undeniable. Her passion, drive, and dedication have left an indelible mark, inspiring countless young athletes to dream big and pursue their aspirations. As she bids farewell to the field, Morgan's call for equality in women's sports continues to resonate, ensuring that the next generation of athletes will enjoy a more equitable future.