United States Women’s National Team head coach Emma Hayes has reflected on the legendary career of Alex Morgan as the team prepares to celebrate the retired forward before facing Portugal at Subaru Park.
United States set to celebrate Alex Morgan’s career
As the USA prepares to face Portugal at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, the spotlight will shine on one of the country’s most celebrated players.
Before the match, the teams and fans will come together to honour Alex Morgan, who retired last year after a remarkable career.
The celebration at Subaru Park carries extra meaning, as it is the same venue where she scored her first international goal, a fitting stage to commemorate her career.
Hayes shared her appreciation for the tradition of honoring players who have left a lasting mark on the team and the sport. The celebration, she said, is about more than acknowledging statistics. It’s about recognizing a player whose leadership and passion shaped an entire era.
“I love this tradition when we honor our players in retirement. I know the fans will be coming out, not just to support us, but absolutely to acknowledge what a wonderful career she had,” Hayes said. “She had so many telling moments that were difference-making moments in her career and the impact she’s had on this team is immeasurable.”
Among those in attendance at the celebration of Morgan’s career will be Abby Wambach. Wambach is among the list of the top goalscorers in women’s international football history.
One of the most prolific scorers in @ussoccer history, Alex Morgan, will be honored during the @USWNT friendly on Thursday 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/94lC4PSfVh
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) October 22, 2025
Emma Hayes reflects on Alex Morgan’s career
USA head coach Emma Hayes has expressed her admiration for the accomplishments of Alex Morgan.
Although their time together was brief, Morgan played once under Hayes in June 2024 against South Korea. Hayes said she has long respected what the star forward brought to the game.
“There was nothing she didn’t achieve,” Hayes told the US Soccer website. “She was a player that epitomised everything this program is about. She’s an unbelievable credit to her family because her drive, her desire, her determination to prove herself at the highest level is second to none.”
Hayes noted that Morgan’s legacy extends well beyond her two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles and Olympic gold medal. Her drive and visibility helped grow women’s soccer in ways that continue to resonate today.
For Hayes, Morgan’s influence goes beyond the pitch. Her ability to inspire fans and bring attention to the women’s game has made her one of the sport’s most recognizable figures.
“You can’t go anywhere in this country without them talking about Alex Morgan, and I think the sport should show a lot of gratitude to that because it’s important for our players to be recognizable and she is, without question in recent times, one of the most recognizable faces in our sport,” Hayes said.
That level of recognition, Hayes added, is crucial for the continued growth of women’s soccer. Morgan’s visibility, professionalism, and commitment to excellence have made her a model for current and future generations.
