Soccer Star Alex Morgan Plays Final Game While Pregnant With Baby No. 2 & The Family Photos Couldn't Be Cuter
When Alex Morgan took to the field one last time yesterday, fans expected to be [understandably] emotional over the soccer star’s retirement. The decorated athlete is a two-time Women’s World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist, and she played a crucial role in securing equitable pay for female soccer players on the U.S. National Team who were historically paid much less than their male counterparts. (Because of course they freakin’ were.)
After an iconic 15-year career, we expected to get emo when she tied up her laces for the last time. What we weren’t prepared for were the precious moments between Morgan and her 4-year-old daughter Charlie before the start of her final game.
The two were matching in San Diego Wave jerseys and pink headbands, and while many hearts broke over the end of an era, even more melted over the sight of little Charlie kissing her mom’s belly. Because ICYMI: Morgan is expecting Baby No. 2 with husband Servando Carrasco.
The ESPY Award winner announced her pregnancy on Friday while also announcing her retirement. “Soccer has been a part of me for 30 years, and it was one of the first things that I ever loved,” she said in an Instagram video. “And I gave everything to this sport and what I got in return was more than I could have ever dreamed of.”
“ … Charlie’s going to be a big sister,” she added. “I am pregnant. As unexpected as this came, we are so overjoyed.”
And that “we” clearly includes Charlie who seems to already be so in love with her little sibling. Photos and footage of her smooching her mom’s growing baby bump are understandably going viral.
“There aren’t words for how sweet Charlie is ???? ????,” one person captioned a TikTok.
“Great photo,” another said on an Instagram post where others called Morgan a “baddie” for playing while pregnant and reminisced over her career.
“[Morgan’s] impact on womens soccer will never be forgotten,” a fan said on another post. “Congratulations on an incredible career and best wishes for the future with your growing family. ????????”
Oh, and don’t even get us (or the internet) started on how Morgan and Charlie showed up to the stadium in their epic pre-game ‘fits. “No one else I’d rather have by my side ????,” Morgan captioned a sweet clip.
Earlier this year, Morgan told SheKnows’ Editor-in-Chief Erika Janes that she brings Charlie on the road so she is constantly surrounded by Morgan’s team of “really strong and resilient women.” Because it takes a village (or a team) to boost a young girl’s mental health and confidence.
“[I want her to just be] able to walk in any room anywhere and feel like she can stand tall and be confident.”
Baby No. 2 may not learn those lessons on the road, but he or she will clearly have a strong and resilient (and oh-so-sweet!) big sister by their side.
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