“After a lot of reflection, I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from soccer for my mental health.” Just like that, Angel City forward Sydney Leroux announced her break from the game, citing mental health struggles. A few months later, Racing Louisville’s Bethany Balcer followed suit for the very same reason. While you might notice a growing pattern in how players confront these challenges today, it’s also worth noting how freely they can now step away without facing repercussions—something that, back in the day, often came at a heavy cost. And who better than Alex Morgan to recall that harsh reality?

“That just didn’t exist a couple of years ago,” the former San Diego Wave star began in an exclusive chat with ESPN, pointing to the new NWSL policy that now allows players to take paid mental health leave — something several players in the league have already used this year. Yes, not a few, but several. And all of this is being done by them without facing any kind of repercussions.

For those unaware of those “repercussions,” well, the players could have taken a leave. But of course, it would have come at a certain cost. In the case of AM13, the forward revealed that she was literally snubbed for months when it came to the national team selection, just because she wanted to recuperate both mentally and physically from the time she gave birth to her first child, Charlie.

“I attempted to do that with the national team and then I was not called back in for six or seven months because of it, because of raising my hand and saying I need a break, I just had a baby, and I need to step away for this next camp,” added the 36-year-old. And today? Well, anyone can do it without facing any consequences, with teams even offering the utmost support they can—and yes, that includes financial support for players during their absence as well.

Notably, Angel City’s Sydney Leroux had to step away from soccer after going through a particularly challenging period. On the A Touch More Podcast hosted by Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird, she recalled a “super crazy” preseason, which included a serious accident and her kids falling ill. Everything felt like a mess, and she couldn’t keep up with anything.

Playing soccer became secondary, as Leroux even struggled with something as simple as a five-yard pass. The pressure, combined with the responsibilities of parenthood, left the 35-year-old feeling overwhelmed and ultimately forced her to make the difficult decision to take a break. “It was the best thing that I ever did for myself and for my little fam,” she said.

Similarly, Racing Louisville’s Bethany Balcer stepped back even before the 2025 season had fully started. Imagine taking this step at 28, an age when many players are approaching the latter stages of their careers. Then again, Balcer too had lost the joy of playing.

Over the past year and a half, she felt her identity slipping away, consumed by soccer and the pressures of being a professional athlete. She described chasing materialistic goals that left her drained and disconnected from the love and passion she once had for the game.

Then again, Alex Morgan is happy with the fact that if not her, at least the upcoming generation is able to enjoy such a luxury. The former Tottenham Hotspur star believes that whether a player is in their second year of a career or their 15th, everyone deserves a break at some point—regardless of whether it’s in sports or any other job.

Alex Morgan is the selfless leader the women’s game needs!

Having retired last year while also announcing her second pregnancy, Alex Morgan also acknowledged that the very ability to make a decision like taking a break for their own sake is something new. The 2x World Cup winner noted that she has long advocated for players to become the driving force of the league.

“There is no league without players, so let’s treat them right, let’s give them all the resources we could possibly do, like with financial literacy, with mental stability, with family planning, whatever it may be. I have fought for those things both as a player and now as an owner,” concluded Morgan.

Interestingly, this is reminiscent of the equal pay fight, when Alex, alongside many other leaders, stood up against the USSF over the pay disparity. Their victory has since ensured that the women are paid fairly and equally, setting a standard that will benefit future generations as well. Whether playing or retired, Alex Morgan has made it clear that she will never stop advocating for the women’s game.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.