Wellington, New Zealand – As the FIFA Best Awards approached, players from all over the world sought insights into the U.S. women’s team’s protracted battle with U.S. Soccer for equal pay and working conditions. They looked to learn from their fight for equality and apply those lessons to their own campaigns. Among the contenders for the Best Women’s Player award, Alex Morgan stood out not only for her remarkable football prowess but also for her influential role as a disrupter and advocate for change.
Despite her busy schedule and personal commitments, Morgan selflessly agreed to meet players from other national teams in Paris. Spending a significant amount of time with them, she passionately discussed challenges faced by each squad and offered potential solutions. Her dedication to empowering others left a lasting impact, impressing even Sarah Gregorius, the director of policy and strategy for women’s football at FIFPro.
Many know Alex Morgan as the leading active goal scorer for the USWNT, a marketable star with broad appeal to soccer enthusiasts and casual fans alike. Yet, beyond her on-field talent, she has proven herself a disrupter who actively uses her platform to advocate for others. When the USWNT filed a lawsuit against U.S. Soccer for gender discrimination before the 2019 World Cup, Morgan stepped up as the lead plaintiff, recognizing the influence her name held. In the NWSL, she played a pivotal role in securing the league’s first-ever contract as a long-time union representative.
Morgan’s advocacy extends to the welfare of fellow athletes and team members. From forcing Tottenham Hotspur to upgrade facilities for its women’s team during her brief tenure to leveraging her personal sponsorships to provide gym equipment for the Orlando Pride, her former club, she actively champions better conditions and support for women in sports. She also stood beside her teammate Mana Shim when reporting an abusive coach, demanding accountability from the NWSL and U.S. Soccer for their failure to protect players.
The expectations on Morgan have always been immense, viewed as the next great American striker, following in the footsteps of iconic players like Michelle Akers, Mia Hamm, and Abby Wambach. However, Morgan never limited herself to being just a star athlete. In 2016, she joined four other players in filing a wage discrimination complaint against U.S. Soccer, showing her willingness to use her voice and platform for the greater good.
Behind the scenes, Morgan has been a force in the fight for equal pay and better working conditions. Her involvement in the legal process, discussions with medical professionals, and advocacy for parental benefits have been instrumental in pushing for positive change. Unapologetically, she has advocated for female athletes to embrace their greatness, challenging sexism and supporting LGBTQ rights and racial equality, despite potential risks to her commercial opportunities.
Even with all her off-field efforts, Morgan remains one of the best players globally, earning accolades and recognition for her football skills. Her legacy will undoubtedly extend beyond the pitch, leaving a profound impact on women’s soccer and inspiring future generations to stand up for what they believe in. Alex Morgan’s journey from on-field brilliance to a fierce advocate for equality exemplifies the power of athletes to effect meaningful change, making her an enduring role model for both her teammates and aspiring athletes worldwide.
