Admit it—at least once in our lives, we all dreamed of becoming professional soccer players. Today, we may be following the beautiful game as ardent fans, but deep down, many saw their aim shift as fate had other plans. Yet, some were lucky enough to see that dream come true, and Alex Morgan proudly belongs to that group—someone who actually fulfilled her childhood ambition.

And if the former USWNT star ever needs a reminder of just how far she’s come and achieved, an old note she once wrote might be the perfect memory to bring it all back. We don’t know about you, but as a kid, Morgan might not have realized she was writing her own prophecy—one that would eventually turn into reality and make her a household name.

That’s because, back when Alex was little, she wrote a special note for her mother. Covered in heart doodles drawn in pencil, the message read: “Hi mommy! My name is Alex and I am going to be a professional athlete for soccer! I love you, always, Ali Cat.”

Boy, talk about being a fortune teller or what? Clearly, the former San Diego Wave forward was able to manifest her ambitions. We bet that even today, if she were to read that note, a wave of emotions would rush through her—thinking about how far she’s come in life, both on and off the pitch. It’s a feeling that only the 35-year-old could truly understand.

Then again, one has to understand that none of this came just from writing it on a piece of paper. It’s the result of relentless hard work, countless challenges, and rising above the odds—day in and day out. It had to start with playing for local sides like West Coast FC and California Storm before further cementing her foot at revered NWSL clubs like Portland Thorns, Orlando Pride, and now San Diego Wave.

Not to mention her impact was even visible in the glory roads of Europe, like winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League with French side OL Lyonnes or enjoying a brief stint with England’s Tottenham Hotspur. Yet, how could one forget Alex Morgan’s iconic contribution to the international stage? 220 appearances, 123 goals, and 53 assists, including two FIFA World Cups, an Olympic gold medal, multiple CONCACAF, SheBelieves Cups, and one W Gold Cup — talk about iconic status!

And last but not least, even her individual accolades, be it securing the FIFA World Cup Silver Boot, NWSL Golden Boot, multiple FIFA FIFPro World XI selections, or bagging the title of the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year and CONCACAF Player of the Year on several occasions, one thing is clear: Alex Morgan didn’t only chase her childhood dream manifested on a piece of paper, rather she ended up building a legacy around one.

And you know what’s even better? The fact that her own little daughter now shares the same dream she once had as a child. “Charlie came up to me the other day and said when she grows up, she wants to be a soccer player,” Morgan revealed after announcing her retirement from the beautiful game last year.

So, it’s safe to say that Morgan’s legacy might just live on through her daughter—who, no doubt, will be inspired by the simple note that sparked it all for her mom. And if that’s not enough, perhaps this unique post-retirement milestone her mom just achieved will do the trick!

Tributes aren’t stopping for Alex Morgan just yet!

On Tuesday, June 24, the San Diego Wave announced that they will be retiring the No. 13 jersey worn by Alex Morgan during her time with the California side, which she joined in July 2021. This makes her the first player in Wave history to receive such a tribute. Notably, the jersey retirement ceremony will take place on Sunday, September 7, at Snapdragon Stadium.

“Alex’s legacy goes far beyond goals and accolades. She helped lay the foundation for this Club and elevated the standard for what women’s soccer is today,” said Lauren Leichtman, Governor of San Diego Wave FC. “She made this city her home, inspired our fans and community, and helped define who we are. Her impact will be felt for generations, and it’s only fitting that her number becomes a permanent part of Wave FC history.” 

Indeed, it is, especially for someone, who is the San Diego Wave’s all-time leading scorer, having tallied 23 goals and nine assists. Her standout performance came in 2022, having notched 16 goals that even saw her win the NWSL Golden Boot. In her debut season, she captained the team to playoffs and later won the 2023 Shield in her second year.

It was on September 8, 2024, that the world watched Alex Morgan play her final professional soccer match. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the ideal send-off. The former NWSL star missed a penalty against the North Carolina Courage and exited the pitch at exactly the 13th minute, with the score tied at 1-1. Things only went downhill from there, as the Wave were brutally thrashed, ending the game 4-1.

Then again, Morgan returns at least to enjoy a good memory for her jersey number retirement ceremony. The latter had even sent a message on Instagram to her ardent fans writing, “See you there, San Diego.” Indeed, they will!