“True Superstar When the Game Needed One”- Alex Morgan Given the Highest Honor on Retirement by Ex-USWNT Teammate

“It’s the end of the era,” commented USWNT icon Becky Sauerbrunn for Alex Morgan after she got snubbed by Emma Hayes for the Paris Olympics. Who would have thought that those words would become a reality one day? Fast forward to today, and the San Diego Wave star has officially announced her retirement from soccer, leaving Sauerbrunn once again in disbelief. “15 years as teammates—can’t believe it’s coming to an end,” she remarked.

The St. Louis-born skipper who won two World Cups with Morgan, reflected on sharing the locker room with the San Diego Wave forward for the US Women’s National Team. “A true superstar when the game needed one the most. You shared with us your talent, your voice and your platform. And fought to make life better for all of us on and off the field,” said the caption that Becky added alongside a picture of herself with Morgan.  

“Thank you. Enjoy these moments, and everything after it. So much love to you, Al ❤️,” signed off the 39-year-old with a cheerful note. “So beautifully said captain,” commented Megan Rapinoe, who herself hung up her boots last season—we couldn’t agree more with Pinoe. Even though Morgan is four years younger than Sauerbrunn, the former Tottenham star would be removing her boots.

Notably, earlier when Emma Hayes announced the 22-player roster for the Paris Olympics, the absence of Morgan didn’t settle with Becky. In a conversation earlier with Sam Mewis on the Good Vibes podcast, the Portland Thorns veteran expressed her dismay saying, “It makes me sad. It’s wild. I thought she was going to be on it, so I was as shocked as everybody else when I saw that announcement.”

While describing Morgan as a “winner,” Becky emphasized the forward’s fierce competitiveness and her ability to stay composed under pressure in critical moments like the World Cup, Olympics, and qualifiers. Sauerbrunn pointed out what sets Morgan apart from other players, saying, “Alex could adapt to the game state better than any forward I’ve ever played with.” 

Whether it was stepping up for defensive responsibilities, winning key battles, or creating space in attack, Becky praised Morgan’s readiness to do whatever the team needed. From helping secure victories in tournaments to conserving energy for crucial moments, Alex consistently gave her all.

This high praise from Sauerbrunn highlights just how vital Morgan has been to the national team throughout her career. Sadly, Alex isn’t alone that USWNT would miss!

Before Alex Morgan, Becky Sauerbrunn also dropped the retirement bomb

Although Alex Morgan’s absence drew attention, many overlooked Becky Sauerbrunn. The veteran defender missed the chance to compete in the 2023 FIFA World Cup due to injury, and now, despite being in the twilight of her career, Emma Hayes denied the 39-year-old a final opportunity to represent the national team. Unfortunately, it’s too late to make things right!

Sauerbrunn subtly announced earlier that her journey with the USWNT has come to an end. When asked if she aimed to return to the national team, she firmly responded, “I think that chapter of my career is over. I have been working through all of those emotions as well.” However, Becky asserted that she got over her absence from the Olympic roster.

Instead, the Thorns star is enjoying the ‘new experience’ of being just one of the USWNT’s No. 1 supporters. Regardless, this is something that the soccer world won’t be prepared for. Already, Morgan dropped this bomb, and seeing Becky doing this would shatter the fans even more. As far as we could say, brace yourselves!