San Diego Wave Retires Alex Morgan’s No. 13 Jersey in Tribute

On Sunday, the San Diego Wave honored soccer star Alex Morgan by retiring her iconic No. 13 jersey during a heartfelt ceremony at Snapdragon Stadium. This significant moment followed the team’s 3-0 loss to the Houston Dash, marking a pivotal occasion in both the club’s history and Morgan’s illustrious career.

Fans filled the stadium, proudly wearing Morgan’s jerseys in various colors, from the national team’s red, white, and blue to the Wave’s navy and pink. The retired jersey will no longer be worn by any player, a rare honor in professional soccer. Morgan received a framed jersey as part of the tribute, and her emotions were palpable as she addressed the crowd.

“I’m going to try to keep it together,” Morgan said, struggling to hold back tears. “These three years have been the most transformative. We built the club from the ground up, made the playoffs, won the Shield in the second season, and the Challenge Cup in the third season. We broke the record for NWSL attendance, and through it all, you showed up every single day.”

Approximately 100 of Morgan’s family members and friends attended the match, including former teammates like Tobin Heath. Reflecting on her time in San Diego, Morgan noted the significance of having her jersey retired. “There was a lot of sweat and tears in that jersey with No. 13. To see it in the rafters, for my children to know I was a part of this team, it’s etched in history forever,” she explained.

The Wave celebrated this milestone by distributing pink headbands to fans, reminiscent of the signature look Morgan made famous. A large “No. 13” structure adorned with pink pre-wrap served as a backdrop for the ceremony. Fans attached heartfelt messages to the structure, expressing their gratitude and support for Morgan, including notes from children and mothers who were inspired by her journey.

Morgan’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. She retired last year after nearly 15 years in professional soccer, announcing her pregnancy with her second child at the same time. In May, she became an owner of the Wave, further solidifying her commitment to the sport and to the community.

A two-time World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist, Morgan has scored 123 international goals, making her the fifth-highest scorer in U.S. Women’s National Team history. Throughout her career, she played for seven professional clubs across two continents and achieved championships in two different U.S. professional leagues, as well as the UEFA Champions League.

The ceremony encapsulated not only Morgan’s contributions to the sport but also her impact on the community and the next generation of young athletes. Her message resonated with fans, especially the youth in attendance, as she emphasized the importance of dreams and aspirations in sports. “For the young girls and boys in the stadium: This wasn’t a possibility for 7-year-old Alex. I had a dream of playing soccer, but it wasn’t possible, and now it is. Thank you so much; it means everything.”

The retirement of Morgan’s No. 13 jersey serves as a testament to her legacy in soccer and the profound effect she has had on the sport in San Diego and beyond.