It was the video that basically stopped the sports world in its tracks. Alex Morgan, the face of American soccer for over a decade, sat in front of a camera and dropped a double bombshell. She was retiring. And she was pregnant.
Honestly, the timing felt like a movie script. One minute she’s battling it out in the NWSL for the San Diego Wave, and the next, she’s closing a chapter that defined an entire era of the USWNT. Most fans were still processing her absence from the 2024 Olympic roster when she revealed that her daughter, Charlie, was about to become a big sister. It wasn't just about a baby, though; it was about the end of the "Baby Horse" era on the pitch.
Why Alex Morgan Pregnant News Hit Different in 2024
When news broke that Alex Morgan was pregnant with her second child in September 2024, it wasn't just another celebrity pregnancy announcement. It was the catalyst for her retirement. She had already decided 2024 would be her final season, but the pregnancy provided a definitive, joyful exclamation point.
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Morgan has always been open about the struggle of being a "soccer mom" at the highest level. You've probably seen the photos of Charlie on the field after games, but the reality behind the scenes was much more chaotic. She recently opened up about how the system isn't really built for working moms. During the Tokyo Olympics, she was away from Charlie for over 30 days because of strict COVID rules. No family, no nanny, no support. Just a world-class athlete trying to win gold while her heart was halfway across the globe.
The Arrival of Baby Enzo
Fast forward to March 2025. Alex and her husband, Servando Carrasco, officially became a family of four. They welcomed a baby boy named Enzo on March 30, 2025.
- Full Name: Enzo Carrasco
- Birth Date: March 30, 2025
- Meaning: "Ruler of the home" (Italian origin)
It’s kinda wild to think about the legacy this kid is born into. His sister Charlie is already a mini-star, and his mom is literally one of the greatest to ever lace up cleats. Morgan shared the news with some gorgeous black-and-white photos on Instagram, captioned simply: "Soaking it all up right now."
The Retirement Connection
A lot of people wondered if she retired because she was pregnant. Not exactly. She actually mentioned that she felt in her "heart and soul" at the start of 2024 that this would be her last year. The pregnancy was a surprise, but a welcome one. It gave her a sense of "clarity" that most athletes struggle to find when they're staring down the end of their career.
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She played her final match on September 8, 2024, at Snapdragon Stadium. It was emotional. There were tears. But seeing her walk off that field knowing she was moving toward a new kind of team—a family of four—made it feel less like an ending and more like a pivot.
Challenging the System for Mother-Athletes
Morgan hasn't just been sitting back during her pregnancy and early postpartum days. She’s been vocal. Really vocal.
She’s called out the lack of infrastructure for moms in professional sports. Think about it: where does the baby go during a 2:00 PM tactical meeting? Who watches the toddler when the team is on a cross-country flight? Morgan has been pushing for global investment in women's sports that actually accounts for the fact that women are, well, women. She wants a pathway where a player doesn't have to choose between a World Cup trophy and a stable home life.
Life as a Family of Four in 2026
As of early 2026, Alex Morgan is fully leaning into her post-soccer life. She’s still heavily involved in the business side of things—investing in women's sports and continuing her advocacy work—but her "daily grind" looks a lot different now.
Instead of 6:00 AM sprints, it's toddler meltdowns and newborn schedules. She’s described the transition as a "beautiful whirlwind." It’s also important to note that she isn't just "disappearing" into motherhood. She’s used her platform to show that retirement for a female athlete doesn't mean the end of her influence. If anything, her voice is louder now that she isn't worried about league fines or roster spots.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her Exit
Some critics argued she "gave up" by retiring while still capable of playing. That’s a pretty narrow view. Morgan’s legacy isn't just her 123 international goals. It’s the fact that her daughter, Charlie, recently told her she wants to be a soccer player because she can actually see a career path.
That path exists because Morgan and her teammates sued for equal pay. They fought for better travel. They demanded respect. The fact that she can now walk away on her own terms, to grow her family, is the ultimate win.
Practical Next Steps for Fans and Athletes
If you're looking to follow in Morgan's footsteps or just want to support the next generation of players, here is how to stay engaged:
- Support NWSL Expansion: The league is growing rapidly. Buying tickets to local matches directly funds the infrastructure Morgan has been fighting for.
- Follow "The 13th" Foundation: Keep an eye on Morgan's personal ventures. She is pivoting into more philanthropic and investment-heavy roles that focus on equity in sports.
- Advocate for Parental Leave in Sports: Whether it's at the pro level or your local club, supporting policies that help moms stay in the game is crucial for the sport's longevity.
Alex Morgan's journey through motherhood and retirement has proven that you don't have to sacrifice your identity to start a family. You just have to be willing to change the game.