Alex Morgan breaks down in tears as USWNT legend plays final game while pregnant

USWNT icon Alex Morgan bid an emotional farewell to her professional career after 15 minutes on Sunday night's pitch for the San Diego Wave against the North Carolina Courage.

The two-time U.S. Soccer's Female Athlete of the Year soaked in the 13th minute of the match at centerfield, surrounded by a sea of teammates who hugged her. The Snapdragon Stadium crowd chanted their thank yous for the forward following Morgan 's decision to play for 13 symbolic minutes, representing the same number shirt number she's worn over a 12-season career.

Morgan, who is pregnant with her second child, a revelation she made when announcing her retirement ahead of the game , was visibly emotional,. She thanked her teammates and fought back tears while receiving hugs from teammates, opponents, and coaches.

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She prioritized a team-first mentality by handing over the captain's band on her arm before taking off her cleats as a retirement symbol. With her aqua-blue Nike cleats in hand, Morgan took her time to wave to every section of the crowd before rolling down her shin guards and leaving the field.

She was officially replaced by Amirah Ali. The Wave ended up losing the game 4-1.

The 35-year-old announced her decision to retire on social media through a video over four minutes long. "I'm going to get to the point quickly. I'm retiring, and I have so much clarity about this decision. I'm so happy to tell you finally," she said.

"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 I would play soccer," Morgan revealed. "Soccer has been a part of me for 30 years, and it was one of the first things that I ever loved. I gave everything to this sport, and what I got in return was more than I could have ever dreamed of."

She also announced her second pregnancy as another reason for stepping away from the game. Morgan's three-year-old daughter Charlie also helped inspire the decision after she notified her mom that she wanted to play soccer one day, too. The comment let Morgan know of her influence after recalling a time in her youth when the path to becoming a pro wasn't so clear.

Morgan retired with 123 goals in 224 appearances for the USWNT , two World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019, an Olympic gold medal in 2012, and countless individual awards, including two ESPYs, four CONCACAF Player of the Year awards, and the NWSL Golden Boot in 2022. Morgan won the NWSL Shield in 2023 and the Challenge Cup this season with the Wave.

The U.S. striker is also celebrated off the pitch as an outspoken advocate for gender equality and remains an essential component in the fight for equal pay in women's soccer. She has also collaborated with former teammates to improve conditions for women's athletes and to give back at the sports youth levels.