Is Alex Morgan’s career with the United States women’s national team over?

Alex Morgan is a United Stated soccer legend, with over 220 caps and 120 goals to her name. She’ll go down as one of the best to ever do it. With that said, have we seen the last of Alex Morgan on the women’s national team? We’ll take a closer look at what might be the end of an era.

Alex Morgan was not selected to compete for the United States Women’s national team at the Paris 2024 Olympics. According to Sports Illustrated, it’s the first time since 2008 that she was not part of the roster for a major tournament.

ESPN reposted Morgan’s social media reaction to missing the cut. “Today, I’m disappointed about not having the opportunity to represent our country on the Olympic stage. This will always be a tournament that is close to my heart and I take immense pride any time I put on the crest.”

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Of course, the United States women’s soccer team went on to win gold without Morgan, and perhaps ushered in a new era of stars.

ESPN believes that Morgan was not selected by manager Emma Hayes because she specializes in one area. She’s a striker through and through, who thrives in the middle of the pitch.

Of course, Morgan was sensational in that role, putting the finishing touches on chances and applying pressure to the defense. However, teams were built around her with that in mind, but it seems like the United States might not be as willing to cater to Morgan’s skill set moving forward.

Hayes told the New York Times that she values players getting hot at the right time ahead of major tournaments. She said in June, “So go back to your clubs, play, compete, get healthy, and put yourself in the best possible place.”

Judging by that criteria, Morgan was going to have an uphill battle making the Olympic team. She has not looked the same in NWSL play for the San Diego Wave, and she didn’t score a goal in eight starts heading into the Olympics.

Alex Morgan turned 35 years old in early July, and has been dealing with a pesky ankle injury, which may have hindered her ability to be productive.

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The New York Times also noted that, perhaps because of her ankle injury, Morgan has seemed less aggressive in her play than in years past. They commented that she doesn’t take defenders off the dribble as much as she used to, a sign that she might not have the top form she once possessed.

Based on her process in constructing the 2024 Olympic team, Hayes has a very specific set of criteria that she’s looking for. ESPN reported that she signed a contract in 2023 that gave her a huge salary raise, as the United States program was looking to secure her in the position.

Hayes’ deal runs through 2027, which is important considering that’s when the next Women’s World Cup will be played.

Alex Morgan will be 37 years of age at that point, and will turn 38 in the later stages of the tournament. If the Olympics are any indication, Hayes may not be all that inclined to burn a roster spot on Morgan for nostalgic reasons.

However, the World Cup roster is slightly larger than the Olympic team’s roster, which means Morgan may have a little extra wiggle room to make the cut. 2023 World Cup rosters allowed for 23 players, while the 2024 Olympic roster allowed for 18 players.

The United States women’s national team was unceremoniously knocked off in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, with Morgan as a centerpiece. It seems like a possibility that the program may want to replenish the roster with younger players, rather than give the old guard one last chance at glory.

Let us know what you think about her shot to wear the crest again in a meaningful tournament, or share your favorite memory of Alex Morgan’s career by leaving a comment!

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