Alex Morgan's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Alex Morgan. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Alex Morgan is an American professional soccer player renowned as a striker. She most recently played for San Diego Wave FC in the NWSL, where she was captain, and the United States national team. Morgan co-captained the United States alongside Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe from 2018 to 2020 and then alongside Lindsay Horan in 2023, highlighting her leadership role within the team.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1991: Michelle Akers sets World Cup single-game goals record

In 1991, Michelle Akers set the World Cup single-game goals record. Alex Morgan equaled this record in 2019.

1991: Record Tied with Wambach

In 2012, Alex Morgan and Abby Wambach combined for 55 goals, matching a 21-year-old record from 1991 set by Michelle Akers and Carin Jennings.

April 2008: Return to National Team After Injury

In April 2008, Alex Morgan returned to the United States under-20 women's national soccer team after recovering from an ACL injury she sustained in 2006.

2008: FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup

In 2008, Alex Morgan competed in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Chile, scoring four goals and winning the tournament. She received the Bronze Shoe and Silver Ball for her performance.

2011: Professional Debut and League Championship

In 2011, Alex Morgan was drafted number one overall in the WPS Draft by the Western New York Flash, made her professional debut, and helped the team win the league championship. She was also the youngest player on the national team at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, where the team was runner-up.

2011: Algarve Cup Golden Boot

In 2011, Alex Morgan won the Algarve Cup's golden boot.

June 2012: ESPY Award Nomination

In June 2012, Alex Morgan was nominated for an ESPY Award as the Best Breakthrough Athlete.

2012: London Olympics and Record-Breaking Season

At the 2012 London Olympics, Alex Morgan scored the match-winning goal in the semi-final against Canada. She finished 2012 with 28 goals and 21 assists, joining Mia Hamm as the only American woman to achieve this in a single year. She was also named U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year and a FIFA World Player of the Year finalist.

2012: Record-Breaking Year

In 2012, Alex Morgan led the U.S. in goals (28), multi-goal matches (9), assists (21), and points (77). She joined an exclusive club as she and Hamm are the only USWNT players to record at least 20 goals and 20 assists in the same calendar year.

2012: Olympic Semi-Final Winning Goal

In 2012, Alex Morgan scored the winning goal in the Olympic semi-final match against Canada in extra time, sending the United States to the gold medal match against Japan. Her goal came in the 123rd minute, the latest goal ever scored by a member of the U.S. women's team and a FIFA record.

2012: U.S. Soccer's Female Athlete of the Year

In 2012, Alex Morgan was named U.S. Soccer's Female Athlete of the Year and finished third in voting for the FIFA Ballon d'Or.

August 31, 2013: NWSL Championship Title with Portland Thorns

On August 31, 2013, Alex Morgan and Portland captured the league's inaugural championship title after defeating regular season champions Western New York Flash 2–0; Morgan assisted on the second goal.

2013: NWSL Championship with Portland Thorns FC

In 2013, Alex Morgan joined Portland Thorns FC and helped the team win the league championship that year.

June 2015: Morgan named highest paid American women's soccer player

In June 2015, Time named Alex Morgan the highest paid American women's soccer player, mostly due to her endorsement deals.

2015: Morgan and teammates honored after World Cup win

Following the United States' win at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, Alex Morgan and her teammates became the first women's sports team to be honored with a ticker tape parade in New York City and were honored by President Barack Obama at the White House in October of the same year.

2015: FIFA Women's World Cup Title

In 2015, Alex Morgan helped the United States win the FIFA Women's World Cup.

2015: Top-Paid American Women's Soccer Player and FIFA Cover Appearance

In 2015, Alex Morgan was ranked by Time as the top-paid American women's soccer player. She also became the first women's soccer player to appear on the cover of FIFA video games.

January 24, 2016: Morgan receives key to the city of Diamond Bar

On January 24, 2016, Alex Morgan received the key to the city of Diamond Bar, her hometown.

March 2016: SheBelieves Cup Golden Boot and MVP

In March 2016, Alex Morgan was awarded the Golden Boot and MVP award at the first SheBelieves Cup competition. She scored in victories against France and Germany as the USWNT won the tournament.

2017: Continental European Treble with Lyon

In 2017, Alex Morgan signed with French team Lyon, where she won the continental European treble, which included the UEFA Women's Champions League.

2018: U.S. Soccer's Female Player of the Year

In 2018, Alex Morgan won U.S. Soccer's Female Player of the Year award. She tallied 18 goals in 19 appearances and won the golden boot at the 2018 CONCACAF Women's Championship.

April 4, 2019: Morgan scores 100th career international goal

On April 4, 2019, Alex Morgan scored her 100th career international goal in a friendly match against Australia.

July 2, 2019: Morgan scores World Cup goal on her birthday

On July 2, 2019, Alex Morgan became the first woman to score a World Cup goal on her birthday during a 2–1 victory over England, which led the team to reach the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup final.

2019: Alex Morgan named Most Beautiful Vegan Celebrity by PETA

In 2019, Alex Morgan and NBA player Kyrie Irving were recognized by PETA as the Most Beautiful Vegan Celebrities.

2019: FIFA Women's World Cup Title and Silver Boot

In 2019, Alex Morgan helped the United States win their title at the FIFA Women's World Cup, where she was named to the Dream Team and won the Silver Boot.

2019: Featured in FIFA 19

In 2019, Alex Morgan was featured in The Journey on FIFA 19 sold in the United States and named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People.

May 2021: NWSL Player of the Month

In May 2021, Alex Morgan was named NWSL Player of the Month for the second time in her career after scoring in each of the first four games of the regular season, helping Orlando Pride finish May at the top of the table.

September 21, 2021: Morgan scores sixth career international hat-trick

On September 21, 2021, Alex Morgan scored her sixth career international hat-trick for the United States in a friendly against Paraguay in Cincinnati.

2022: NWSL Golden Boot with San Diego Wave FC

In 2022, Alex Morgan joined San Diego Wave FC, received the NWSL Golden Boot as the league's top scorer.

2022: NWSL Golden Boot Winner

In 2022, Alex Morgan scored a career-high 15 goals for San Diego Wave, winning the NWSL Golden Boot. She also scored four goals in a single game against Gotham FC on May 7.

2022: Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2022, Alex Morgan was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People.

2023: NWSL Shield with the Wave

In 2023, Alex Morgan led the Wave to an 11–4–7 record and the NWSL Shield as the top team of the regular season standings. She scored seven goals in total during the 2023 season.