Dare You Not To Choke Up Watching Alex Morgan Walk Off Field For The Last Time

U.S. soccer icon Alex Morgan walked off the field for the final time on Sunday, tearfully embracing other players and ceremoniously pulling off her cleats to exit as the crowd cheered. (Watch the video below.)

Morgan won World Cups with the U.S. womens team in 2015 and 2019, as well as an Olympic gold medal in 2012. The 35-year-old also earned respect as a star activist for pay equity in womens soccer.

She played the first 13 minutes (representing the No. 13 jersey she often wore) for the San Diego Wave in its NWSL match against the North Carolina Courage. Then she absorbed the adoration from her fans.

Morgan had already announced her retirement , but the exact moment of her departure hit hard.

I did everything I ever wanted to do and more, and with this decision, I feel so at peace ... I am ready to hang up the boots and allow the next generation to flourish and just relish in the spotlight, Morgan told ESPN after the match (which San Diego lost). Im ready, and its a good feeling when you finally come to that.