It doesn’t take a World Cup goal for Alex Morgan to set the internet ablaze. The retired USWNT icon recently sent fans into a frenzy after a throwback swimsuit photo from her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit days resurfaced online.
Morgan, who hung up her cleats in September 2024 after a legendary run with the national team and San Diego Wave FC, first posed for the iconic magazine in 2014. She returned as a cover model in 2019, becoming one of the few athletes to grace the pages twice. The latest image, shared by SI Swimsuit’s Instagram to celebrate this year’s World Cup, shows Morgan in a stunning shot from her shoot in St. Lucia.
“Just to be part of SI Swimsuit, I feel empowered,” Morgan once said of her experience. “I’m alongside so many incredible women. … This just shows all the training and discipline and commitment and sacrifice.” She added, “I’m unapologetic in the things I do, the things I want to conquer.”
On the pitch, Morgan’s resume is unmatched. She scored 123 goals for the USWNT, trailing only legends like Abby Wambach, Mia Hamm, Carli Lloyd, and Kristine Lilly. She lifted World Cup trophies in 2015 and 2019, cementing her status as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Since retiring, Morgan hasn’t slowed down. She purchased a stake in San Diego Wave FC and became a lead capital partner in the new Women’s Team Golf League (WTGL). Her influence extends far beyond soccer, as she continues to champion gender equity in sports.
The throwback photo is the latest reminder of Morgan’s enduring star power, joining a lineup of athletes who’ve turned heads in swimwear. Recently, Maria Sharapova sent fans into a frenzy with a stunning swimsuit post, and Iga Swiatek traded the court for the coastline after Wimbledon. Even at 45, Jessica Alba stunned fans with an Italian vacation snap.
For Morgan, the buzz is nothing new. She’s always been unapologetically herself, whether on the field or in front of the camera. And with this throwback, she’s proving that her legacy—and her appeal—is timeless.
