The retirement of Alex Morgan was anything but easy. While fans mourned the loss of the USWNT icon as she hung up her boots for good, many were left dissatisfied that it transpired without a proper send-off or farewell match—albeit her final NWSL appearance was certainly an emotional rollercoaster. Although a ‘last dance’ is surely not in the cards now, Morgan has been bestowed a prestigious honor by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria.

It’s not any regular award; What the former San Diego Wave icon has received is something not many have been presented with. Of course, given what Morgan has done for the city of California, she had to be given such distinction. Therefore, Mayor Todd Gloria, Councilmember Marni von Wilpert of District 5, and Councilmember Raul Campillo of District 7 all came together to invite Morgan and present her with the award at the City Hall.

Mayor Todd himself shared the glimpses on X with a special caption saying, “Today, I presented @alexmorgan13, with our City’s highest honor: the Key to the City. Her career includes two World Cup championships and an Olympic gold medal. She’s also a powerful advocate for equity. Thanks, Alex, for everything you’ve done for San Diego and women everywhere.”

A California native, Morgan was born and raised in San Dimas. It’s the soil of this city where she has learned the beautiful game and managed to make her name. Having begun her youth career at AYSO Region 31, she later represented the University of California, Berkley-based team California Golden Bears between 2007-2010. While having represented other semi-professional clubs in the city like West Coast FC and California Storm, she finally made her way into NWSL before playing in the USL-W.

A stint at European sides including Lyon and Tottenham Hotspur was also enjoyed before Morgan finally returned to NWSL and played for Orlando Pride, later settling at San Diego Wave in 2022. With Waves, she was able to win the NWSL Shield as well as the Challenge Cup. Rest, her individual and collective achievements with the USWNT are something that speaks for itself.

Now, with this latest recognition from the City of San Diego is indeed an icing on the cake, even though she desperately wanted a ‘high end to her career.’

Alex Morgan really wanted a ‘last dance’ with the USWNT

Just days after Emma Hayes and her team returned from France with a gold medal, Morgan was preparing for her final farewell speech—a bittersweet moment, as she had recently announced both her retirement and second pregnancy. Deep down, however, the former San Diego Wave star had hoped to end her international career on a high note. “I wanted one last major tournament,” began Morgan while speaking to People magazine earlier.

Given that both the Olympics and the World Cup held a special place in her heart, Morgan admitted how meaningful it would have been to end her career on a high note. Reflecting on the disappointment of the 2023 World Cup, she said, “Not being able to have gone far enough to be really proud, I wanted to be able to push for one more,” added the 36-year-old.

Yet, the hard truth soon settled in for the ex-Tottenham player, who had to come to terms with hanging up her national team jersey for good. “There was a sentiment of passing the torch. As disappointed as I was, I carried on and understood that this is life,” she concluded.

Well said, Alex. But remember, in the eyes of ardent fans and especially the city of San Diego, you’ll never be forgotten.