Alex Morgan
A goal-scoring force and savvy ambassador who helped propel U.S. women's soccer into a new era of mainstream popularity and success.
Born 1989 (age 37)·American soccer player·Birthday: July 2·Millennials
Biography
Alex Morgan didn't just join the U.S. Women's National Team; she helped redefine its star power. Bursting onto the scene as a speedy, clinical forward with a megawatt smile, she quickly became the face of a new generation. Her iconic goal-scoring pose—fingers to lips in a 'tea-sipping' celebration—became a symbol of cool confidence during the team's 2019 World Cup triumph. Beyond her lethal finishing, which includes a famous, last-gasp header in the 2012 Olympic semifinal, Morgan leveraged her platform with strategic savvy. She fought fiercely for equal pay alongside her teammates, a battle that resulted in a historic landmark agreement. She became a best-selling author of a children's book series, starred in a feature film about the team, and consistently used her voice for social issues. Even as she transitioned from co-captain to veteran leader, her impact remained undeniable, blending elite athleticism with a keen understanding of how to build a legacy far beyond the pitch.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Alex was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Alex Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Alex's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Co-captained the USWNT to victory in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France.
- Scored the dramatic, game-tying goal in the 123rd minute of the 2012 Olympic semifinal against Canada, leading the team to a gold medal.
- Was the youngest player on the USWNT roster for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, where the team finished as runners-up.
- Named U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year in 2012 and 2018.
- Authored the popular 'The Kicks' book series for young readers, about a girls' soccer team.
Did You Know?
She was the first woman featured on the cover of the FIFA video game series in the USA, appearing on FIFA 16.
Morgan majored in Political Economy at the University of California, Berkeley.
She and her 2019 World Cup teammates were named Time magazine's Athlete of the Year.
She played professionally for clubs in France (Lyon), England (Tottenham Hotspur), and Australia.
Her first international goal was against China in 2010.
““I want to leave the game better than I found it.””
