Why US' 'Greatest' Soccer Star Alex Morgan Is Excluded from Playing with Her Women's Team at Olympics 2024 (2024)

Morgan, a celebrated figure in women's soccer, has consistently been a key player for the US Women's National Team (USWNT), significantly contributing to their success over the years.

Alex Morgan poses prior to the match between the United States and Mexico as part of the 2022 Concacaf W Championship in Monterrey, Mexico, on July 11, 2022. | Source: Getty Images

Morgan was instrumental in the USWNT's triumph when they won an Olympic gold medal in 2012. Unfortunately, the soccer star is not on the team's roster for the Olympic Games currently taking place in Paris.

Alex Morgan reacts to her team being knocked out of the tournament after a penalty shoot-out loss during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between Sweden and USA in Melbourne, Australia, on August 6, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

On July 3, 2024, head coach Emma Hayes announced her roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics, excluding Morgan from the list. The 22-player roster includes 18 players and four alternates, already in Paris.

It features only eight players from the 2020 Olympics, which were held in 2021 in Tokyo, and ten members of the 2023 World Cup team.

Morgan expressed her discontent on X regarding the selection, "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."

Still, Morgan added that she would be supporting the team in Paris alongside the rest of the country. Despite leaving Morgan off the list, Hayes also praised her contributions to the national team and her illustrious career.

Fans of Morgan took to social media to express their frustration and disappointment over her exclusion from the Olympic roster. One fan questioned Hayes' motive, asking, "How can you leave behind one of the nation's greatest players? The disrespect is real."

Another fan emphasized Morgan's achievements, stating, "You won 3 Olympics. You should be on the team." Expressing disbelief, a user wrote, "How can one of the greatest players, still at her peak, not be invited to the Olympic Team?!?!?"

Alex Morgan dribbles during a game between Korea Republic and USWNT in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on June 4, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

One person praised Morgan's teamwork, saying, "Talent wins games, teams win championships! There is NO better team player than you @alexmorgan13 @USWNT @mPinoe."

Even as fans feel awful that Morgan did not make the roster for the Paris 2024 Olympics Games, the athlete has shown, amidst her disappointment, that she is okay cheering from the sidelines. Hayes also addressed Morgan's exclusion, explaining her reason for leaving the soccer star off the list.

She noted that selecting the roster was a challenging decision, given the limited slots available, which are, 16 outfield players and two goalkeepers on an 18-player roster.

Alex Morgan (Second left) and the rest of USWNT pose for a photo before a game between the Korea Republic and USWNT in Commerce City, Colorado, on June 1, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

Despite Morgan’s impressive record and contributions to the team, Hayes chose to go in a different direction with other players. Versatility was a crucial factor in the selection process.

Hayes emphasized the need for players who could adapt to different positions, especially with the tight game schedule over 17 days. She also highlighted the importance of giving younger players experience.

Team USA pose with their bronze medals during the Women's Football Competition Medal Ceremony at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Yokohama, Japan, on August 6, 2021. | Source: Getty Images

She added that she wanted the people on the roster to have the depth to handle multiple positions and quick turnarounds between matches. Hayes' decision was carefully considered, with the performance of players in forward positions playing a significant role.

Even so, she praised Morgan, saying, "I've only had one opportunity to work with her in the last camp and saw firsthand not just her qualities but her professionalism. Her record speaks for itself."

Morgan's success is unparalleled. She has made 224 appearances for the USWNT, scoring 123 goals and providing 53 assists. She earned her first cap on March 31, 2010, in an international friendly against Mexico, which the US won 1-0.

Alex Morgan battles against goalkeeper Erika Vanegas and Maria Castillo during the international friendly match between the United States and Mexico in Sandy, Utah, on March 31, 2010. | Source: Getty Images

In November 2022, she became the 13th player in USWNT history to reach 200 caps during a match against Germany. She is the active leading goal scorer for the USWNT and ranks fifth on the all-time scoring list.

If Morgan had been listed on the roster for the Paris 2024 Olympics, that would have been a fourth one as she has already taken part in three Olympics.

Alex Morgan poses for a portrait at the USOC Rio Olympics Shoot in Los Angeles, California, on November 20, 2015. | Source: Getty Images

She participated in the 2012 Games in London, the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, and the 2020 Games in Tokyo. As an Olympian, Morgan earned a gold medal at the 2012 London Games and a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games.

Alex Morgan poses with their bronze medal during the Women's Football Competition Medal Ceremony at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan, on August 6, 2021. | Source: Getty Images

One of the most significant moments of her career came during the USWNT's gold medal run in the 2012 London Olympics. There, the three-time Olympian scored a crucial goal in the 123rd minute of the semifinal match against Canada. The game ended 4-3 in favor of the USWNT.

Alex Morgan kisses the gold medal after defeating Japan by a score of 2-1 to win the Women's Football gold medal match at the London 2012 Olympic Games in London, England, on August 9, 2012. | Source: Getty Images

When it comes to World Cups, the soccer player has been part of four rosters, including the 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023 ones. She has helped the USWNT to bag two World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019.

In the 2011 World Cup in Germany, Morgan was the youngest player on the USWNT roster. She also made history by being the first player to both score a goal and record an assist in a World Cup final.

Alex Morgan runs with the ball during the FIFA Women's World Cup Final match between Japan and the USA in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, on July 17, 2011. | Source: Getty Images

At the 2019 World Cup in France, Morgan earned the Silver Boot by scoring six goals, the highest in the tournament. She also tied for second with three assists.

Alex Morgan celebrating with a trophy and the second-best scorer in the tournament award after the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup Final match between The United States of America and The Netherlands at Stade de Lyon, on July 7, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

In the opening match against Thailand, she also equaled the USWNT's record for the most goals in a single game, scoring five times.

Alex Morgan celebrates their team's first goal during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France group F match between USA and Thailand in Reims, France, on June 11, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Morgan also has other accolades to her name. In 2012 and 2018, she was honored as US Soccer's Female Athlete of the Year. She has also been named Concacaf Player of the Year four times, that is in 2013, 2016, 2017, and 2018.

Alex Morgan tosses confetti in the air after defeating Brazil during the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup final in San Diego, California, on March 10, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

In 2024, Morgan replaced forward Mia Fishel on the USWNT roster for the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup. Fishel tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee during training on February 19, 2024.

In yet other tributes, Morgan has been selected to the FIFA FIFPRO Women's World 11 five times, which is in 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2022. Additionally, Morgan was a finalist for the FIFA World Player of the Year three times, in 2012, 2019, and 2022.

Alex Morgan poses for a photo with her VISA Player of the Match award after the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group E match between Portugal and USA in Auckland, New Zealand, on August 1, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

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Morgan is not only a champion on the field but also a strong advocate of it. In 2015, the USWNT sued their employer, alleging gender discrimination. They argued that they were underpaid compared to their male counterparts.

Morgan supported the team in this legal battle against the US Soccer Federation, which was accused of violating the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Alex Morgan attends the press conference with nominees for Women's World Player of the Year and World Coach of the Year for Women's Football prior to the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2013 in Zurich, Switzerland, on January 7, 2013. | Source: Getty Images

Morgan admitted that filing the lawsuit was intimidating, but the widespread support they received, including from celebrities like Taylor Swift, bolstered their confidence.

Alex Morgan and Taylor Swift attend FOX's Teen Choice Awards 2019 in Hermosa Beach, California, on August 11, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

She observed that while US culture often falls short on equality at higher levels, the united support for this cause was a hopeful sign of progress.

Morgan also has the support of her husband, Servando Carrasco, in her career. Carrasco is a former professional soccer player, who was a midfielder for the LA Galaxy. He also previously played for Orlando City SC from 2015 to 2017.

Carrasco met Morgan at the University of California, Berkeley in 2007 when they were both freshmen. "She was very raw. Clearly, she had the athletic ability. She was the fastest player on the team. She had an amazing left foot. She could strike a ball on a rope," shared Carrasco.

Alex Morgan kicks the ball during a 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup quarterfinal match between the US and China in Ottawa, Ontario on June 26, 2015. | Source: Getty Images

Carrasco observed that his wife had the natural athletic ability to excel, but over time, she methodically enhanced her skills. She improved tactically, began studying more soccer, and refined her first touch.

Today, she's not just known for her finishing abilities or her athleticism but is also constantly seeking new challenges and expanding her game.

Alex Morgan warms up before a soccer game against Romania at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, California, on November 10, 2016. | Source: Getty Images

Carrasco noted that when Morgan made a significant impact during the London Olympics, many anticipated she would become a remarkable player. That moment catapulted her into the spotlight.

Alex Morgan speaks on stage during the 2019 E! People's Choice Awards held at the Barker Hangar, on November 10, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Her life transformed with newfound attention. Despite this change, he admired how his wife remained true to herself throughout, maintaining her genuine character amid the fame.

"She worked incredibly hard to be where she is, so clearly I'm going to celebrate her. Yeah, she's a badass woman. So it's cool to see that kind of stuff," gushed Carrasco.

Still, Carrasco expressed that his admiration for Morgan goes beyond her achievements. "I love her for the person she is, and what she accomplishes is almost secondary to that. Of course, I'm proud of her, there's no doubt about it," he revealed.

The love birds tied the knot on New Year's Eve in 2014 at Rancho Dos Pueblos in Santa Barbara. Their wedding, which had nearly 200 guests, came a year after Carrasco proposed.

Morgan made a beautiful bride in the two looks she wore on the wedding day. For the ceremony, she wore a beaded Berta Bridal gown before changing into a custom Amsale mini dress for the reception.

Morgan noted that it was magical to celebrate their wedding day at a beautiful location on New Year's Eve surrounded by friends and family. "We are both so happy, grateful and excited to start our lives together as Mr. and Mrs. Carrasco. I truly married my best friend," said Morgan.

Three months after Morgan helped lead the USWNT to victory at the Women's World Cup in 2019, she announced she was pregnant.

"We are so overjoyed to grow our family. She's the best World Cup gift I could have asked for," Morgan announced. In May 2020, the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, Charlie.

After giving birth, Morgan, her husband, and their baby girl, who was then six months old, spent the summer together in Florida. She explained that the postponement of the 2020 Summer Olympics provided her with extra time to recover after giving birth.

Alex Morgan and Charlie after the National Women's Soccer League match against the NJ/NY Gotham FC at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, on June 19, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

"I get to stay home and just be a mom and I don't need to — after a couple of weeks or whatever — rush off to the gym, rush off to the field. I really was on her schedule and it was really, really nice" she narrated.

Morgan reflected on her experience as a first-time mom, noting that each day brought something new as she watched her daughter grow. She described how she observed daily changes, whether it was new words, expressions, or behaviors, which varied from one day to the next.

Morgan made her return to the USWNT just five months later after giving birth, in November 2020. At the 2023 SheBelieves Cup, she scored against Brazil, setting a new record for the most goals scored by a mother in USWNT history, surpassing Joy Fawcett.

Now, her daughter is growing up fine. When Charlie turned three in May 2023, Morgan and Carrasco took a picture with their beautiful girl. She was dressed in a pink outfit and had a goofy look on her painted face.

Her parents were all smiles beside her, with Morgan writing, "And just like that, our girl is 3! Shes officially entered the princess era 🧜🏽‍♀️🧚✨."

The family of three is made complete with Morgan's dogs, Blue and Kona. She once shared a cute picture of her dogs with their fellow dog friends chilling in their playground on National Dog Day.

As Morgan grapples with the disappointment of not being chosen for the 2024 Paris Olympics, she finds strength and joy from her loved ones. Carrasco, their daughter Charlie, and their beloved dogs offer the soccer star solace and motivation in challenging times.