Naomi Girma Grateful to Alex Morgan for Gifting a Relatively Easier Soccer Career – “So Many Things Had Already Been Fought”

When discussing title-winning teams, the first thing that comes to mind is prolific forwards. Take for example Lionel Messi for Barcelona, Cristiano Ronaldo for Real Madrid, and so on. The same applies to the USWNT, where Alex Morgan stands out as an iconic figure. Current USWNT defender Naomi Girma shares the same sentiment and is thankful for what the legend has done for the sport. 

And Alex Morgan is no ordinary legend. She joins the ranks of Mia Hamm as the only American woman to score 20 goals and 20 assists in a calendar year. Being part of back-to-back World Cup-winning teams in 2015 and 2019, many consider her as the face of Women’s Soccer in the United States. From Golden Boots to MVP Awards, the list of her achievements is pretty long. 

In an interview with FIFA, Naomi Girma spoke highly of her former San Diego Wave and USWNT teammate, praising her for the impact both on and off the field. “Alex has been at the top of women’s soccer for so long and had that spotlight on her for so many years,” said Girma, who’s been nominated for this year’s FIFA Best Women’s Player Award. 

“The medals she’s won speak for themselves, of course. But I believe she really changed the game for women’s soccer. I always tell her, ‘I feel very lucky to have become a professional and joined the team when I did because so many things had already been fought for.” added Girma who wants to continue her legacy. 

Although Alex Morgan may have stepped off the football pitch, she continues to impact the soccer world through ‘Togethxr’, a media company that empowers women and their brand visibility in sports. As for Naomi Girma, she is already carrying her legacy forward with an initiative of her own. 

Inspired by Alex Morgan, Girma is creating her ‘own space’

Naomi Girma is a major part of a new mental health program called ‘Create the Space’ which focuses on supporting players and staff working in the areas of soccer. This comes after Girma lost her best friend, and former Stanford University teammate, Katie Meyer to suicide in 2022. 

Create the Space held their first major event in January this year which was a major success. Players from multiple NWSL teams as well as youth coaches were part of the camp where they discussed mental health issues. Teammate Mallory Swanson recently shared plans to do something similar post-retirement. 

It’s inspiring to see Alex Morgan continue to influence players post her retirement this year. Emma Hayes is thrilled to see such an uplifting atmosphere among her squad, which will be crucial if they aim to build a trophy cabinet as impressive as Morgan’s. Having already won Olympic Gold, it’s safe to say they’re on the right path.