It’s remarkable how time flies, as two years have passed since Alex Morgan hung up her boots. The former US Women’s National Team forward, who retired after being left out of the 2024 Paris Olympics roster, made the decision to step away from the game while also expecting her second child, a boy named Enzo, who was born just a few months ago. Since then, the ex-NWSL veteran has remained active in various sporting ventures, proving that a lot has transpired since her farewell to soccer. But what if we told you that, today, she’s making a return to the game in a brand new role.

Well, not the actual game per se, but yes, it involves the beautiful game. So what’s the deal here? Well, we all know that playing soccer on the pitch with your friends might be the best feeling, even though it takes a bit of a physical toll. But admit it, nothing matches the feeling when you take up those duels in video games from the comfort of your home. And keeping that in mind, the EA FC had to unveil this exciting update for the fans.

Earlier today, EA Sports FC released a short 40-second clip that announced the return of USWNT icon Alex Morgan in the game. Posted with a caption, “Here’s the tea: Alex Morgan returns in #FC26 as an ICON,” the clip begins with a boiling kettle placed on a stove, accompanied by a voiceover announcing the former Tottenham forward’s return.

“And in sports news, it’s the return of an icon, after intense public demand. The voices of the many simply could not be ignored. And it seems the community have finally gotten their way. With a certain number 13…” Then suddenly, the scene cuts to reactions from soccer fans and popular game streamers, expressing their disbelief over this latest update from EA FC.

As the boiling kettle is turned off, the person — revealed to be Morgan herself — is seen pouring tea into a cup. A quick montage of her goals flashes across the screen, followed by gameplay clips from FC 26. In the background, her voiceover says, “You asked. We answered.”

Her in-game character performs Alex’s classic tea-sipping celebration, and the frame quickly switches to the real Morgan, wearing a USWNT shirt, saying “I’m back” before sipping her tea. As she sets the cup down, her FUT ICON card is revealed at the bottom of the cup.

Exciting, isn’t it? Looks like for those fans who had been missing Morgan, can finally enjoy seeing their favorite player at least in the form of a video game. Speaking of which, the EA FC 26 is set to be released on September 26, with an option of pre-order also available. Of course, ardent fans of this video game can expect a lot more than just the return of Alex as an icon, but we all know that is the highlight all along, after all.

Not to mention how desperately she wanted to enjoy that one last tournament with the USWNT, this is the least that she could have received as a gift from the soccer community, thanks to FIFA. Then again, all the credit goes to a little girl who made a promise to herself and managed to fulfill it!

It all began with a promise Alex Morgan made to herself

We bet you must have made a promise to yourself at some point in your life about making it pro as a professional soccer player. While we can relate to those who couldn’t live up to their word, there’s someone who surely did. When Alex was a child, she wrote a heartfelt note to her mother, decorated with pencil-drawn hearts. 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.”

This note should make Morgan reflect on just how far she’s come in life. Sure, her dream was fulfilled — not just because she manifested it on paper, but also because of the tremendous hard work she put in. The former US international began humbly with local sides like West Coast FC and California Storm, but eventually cemented her place at revered NWSL clubs such as the Portland Thorns, Orlando Pride, and San Diego Wave.

Morgan’s influence extended far beyond American soil, leaving its mark on European football as well — from winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League with French powerhouse Olympique Lyonnais to a short but notable spell with England’s Tottenham Hotspur. And on the international front, her legacy is undeniable: 220 caps, 123 goals, and 53 assists for the USWNT, along with two FIFA World Cup titles, an Olympic gold medal, multiple CONCACAF and SheBelieves Cup victories, and the inaugural W Gold Cup.

These are not just achievements, but a reminder to describe her iconic status. And don’t forget, her individual honors are another big factor to consider. A few include the FIFA World Cup Silver Boot, the NWSL Golden Boot, multiple selections in the FIFA FIFPro World XI, and several recognitions as both the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year and the CONCACAF Player of the Year.

It’s clear that Alex Morgan didn’t just follow the dream she once scribbled on a childhood note; the 35-year-old transformed it into a lasting legacy. And look where it has brought her today; aside from being blessed with a beautiful family, the ex-forward is even pocketing millions from her successful sporting ventures.

What’s more, even after retiring, the beautiful game paid her back by honoring her iconic status — even if through a video game, it remains one of the highest recognitions. Indeed, long live the legacy of Morgan!