Alex Morgan: Soccer, Sexualization, & Suing US Soccer

Summary

Call Her Daddy – Episode Summary

Guest: Alex Morgan
Theme: Soccer, Sexualization, & Suing US Soccer
Release Date: September 3, 2025
Host: Alex Cooper

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Overview

In this empowering and candid episode, Alex Cooper sits down with soccer superstar and activist Alex Morgan to trace her journey from a determined seven-year-old with a post-it-sized dream to a world champion, equality trailblazer, and retiring icon. The conversation navigates Morgan’s legendary soccer career, the realities of sexualization and double standards, the emotional toll of fighting for equal pay, motherhood as an athlete, and what’s next for women’s sports. Unfiltered, emotional, and often hilarious, the episode gives listeners a front-row seat to the stories behind Morgan’s most consequential victories—both on and off the pitch.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Childhood Dreams and Early Career

• Dream Beginnings ([10:16]):

  • Morgan shares how, at age 7, she boldly declared she wanted to be a professional soccer player, writing it on a sticky note to her mother, inspired by following her sisters’ lead.
  • She credits her parents, particularly her mom’s willingness to support wild ambitions (flying across the country, buying season tickets even if they couldn’t attend), for enabling her dreams:
    "My mom took me to Mia Ham's retirement game... She was like, let's do this. I'll do anything to help you become a professional soccer player—which, by the way, there was, like, little to no avenue to do that at the time." ([10:16] - Alex Morgan)

• The Power of Parental Confidence ([12:47]):

  • Morgan recounts how her dad, despite knowing little about soccer, “instilled confidence” in her, reinforcing after every game:
    "You are the best... you need to believe that when you step on the field, because you are. In my eyes, you deserve better." ([12:47] - Alex Morgan)

• Overcoming Doubt and Rejection ([14:12]):

  • She describes being told by a coach as a teen she was “not good enough” for the team, only to get a long, apologetic text from him years later:
    "It was like, I'm so sorry... I really apologize for what I said, but it seems like you've done well for yourself… I was just like, fuck this." ([14:39] - Alex Morgan)

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Breaking Into the National Team & Early Success

• Rookie Imposter Syndrome ([15:45]):

  • As the youngest player on the 2011 World Cup roster, Morgan felt like she should lay low:
    “I was like, don’t make a peep… I could not be more opposite than these young players coming in [now] like, ‘I have arrived.’ I was like, ‘Don’t do anything to get anyone to look at you.’” ([15:45] - Alex Morgan)
  • On “imposter syndrome” and not fully shaking it:
    “Sometimes I still feel like I’m living through that… Millions of people are watching me play… It still feels a little weird… I don’t know if you ever get over it.” ([17:42] - Alex Morgan)

• Evolution of Confidence & Celebrating Wins ([18:58]):

  • Morgan points to the 2019 World Cup as a turning point for collective confidence and celebration:
    “We were like, owning our shit... We filed an equal pay lawsuit against US Soccer… We know that winning this is going to help our case, and we are the best… We carried that confidence in a way women don’t usually feel comfortable being able to do." ([18:58] - Alex Morgan)

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Double Standards in Women’s Sports

• Pressures of Being a Role Model ([22:47]):

  • Morgan discusses the expectation that female athletes must always be role models—in ways male athletes are rarely asked to be:
    “Female athletes are expected to just be the most incredible, perfect role model… Do you do it for the young girls? Do you want to inspire the next generation? It’s always that.” ([22:11] - Alex Morgan)
  • After her breakthrough in 2012, she felt forced to “watch what I’m saying, watch what I’m doing” and stifled her true personality in public:
    “I couldn’t necessarily show everybody who I was… I didn’t want to be criticized for not being a good role model. So I just showed people what they wanted to see and hear.” ([23:36] - Alex Morgan)

• The Burden of Perfection and Boundaries ([26:38]):

  • Alex Cooper sums up:
    “Anything less than perfect, then you’re probably a— or you have some type of problem… all of a sudden, you’re like, wait, just because I created a little bit of a boundary for myself because I just played a 90 minute game and now I just want to, like, quickly go rinse off and not take sweaty pictures for an hour...”

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The “Tea” Celebration and Gendered Public Criticism

• Viral Moment at the 2019 World Cup ([28:39]):
  • The infamous “sipping tea” celebration against England sparked massive backlash:
    “I never celebrate. I never ever had a celebration planned, ever… I had one celebration my whole life… and people wanted to kill me over it.” ([29:09] - Alex Morgan)
  • Morgan and Cooper contrast this with celebrations by male athletes, highlighting the double standard:
    “Can we pull up every insane dance gesture guys have done?... but you sipped tea… and they’re like, you’re dead. Meanwhile, men are doing crazy shit and people are like, ‘That’s my player!’” ([30:29] - Alex Cooper)

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Sexualization and Being in the Public Eye

• Looks Over Talent ([35:07]):

  • Morgan reflects on the strange experience of seeing her athletic accomplishments trivialized by focus on her appearance (from fans and even FIFA):
    “I can’t complain. I got a lot of opportunities because of it, but… it was cringy… this is really weird.” ([35:07] - Alex Morgan)
  • Cooper reads a FIFA passage:
    “…a talented goal-scorer with a style that is very easy on the eye and good looks to match…”

• Reactions and Team Dynamics ([39:14]):

  • Morgan recalls supportive teammates, but also some “side comments” that reinforced tension about appearance:
    “Most of my teammates were really, like, we were all super supportive… I'd say there was like one or two teammates that were like, ‘Well, I don’t wear makeup like some of my teammates…’” ([39:14] - Alex Morgan)

• Private Feelings and Pressures ([37:50]):

  • Morgan admits to insecurity, notably struggling with acne due to her intense athletic regimen, sunscreen, and makeup:
    “I was super self-conscious, because I knew in a lot of ways, a lot of the conversation was about my looks… I just never wanted to overanalyze.” ([37:50] - Alex Morgan)

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Motherhood and New Challenges

• Pregnancy Scrutiny ([40:16]):

  • Morgan discusses the shock and concern the soccer world had when she announced her pregnancy mid-career:
    “It was not, like, the happy, like, congrats and we can’t wait for you to have your baby and get back out on the field type reception I thought it would be.” ([40:35] - Alex Morgan)
  • Cooper:
    “Public’s reaction to your pregnancy… it’s like, this should be a joint decision of the country. Put it on your Instagram story and let’s all do a poll if Alex is allowed to have a kid or not…” ([44:09] - Alex Cooper)

• Being a Mom While Competing ([45:34]):

  • Morgan had to negotiate unprecedented terms for traveling with her daughter—rules and support for mothers simply didn’t exist:
    “We had to write… an agreement with the general manager at Orlando that my daughter could travel with me and a child care provider... They pushed back on coming into the meal room... it was writing all these rules that had never been written before.” ([45:34] - Alex Morgan)
  • On setting new standards by demanding a separate seat for her daughter on flights:
    “I said, I’m sorry, I cannot go on this trip if you don’t get a seat for my daughter… I will walk off this bus.” ([48:20] - Alex Morgan)

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Fighting for Equal Pay

• How the Lawsuit Began ([51:15]):

  • Morgan details the gap in pay and the rationale behind suing the US Soccer Federation:
    “We were seeing revenue… we were generating revenue for US Soccer like never before… We are doing the same job for the same company as the men but getting paid vastly different and getting treated vastly different… So we went to US Soccer and we filed a lawsuit.” ([51:15] - Alex Morgan)

• Personal Risks and the Toll ([55:00]):

  • The risks included getting cut, losing future opportunity and sponsorships which made up most of her income:
    “The risk was, like, you could be cut… You might not have a future in soccer… For me especially, it was like 90 to 95% of my annual income was off the field, but I spent 90 to 95% of my time on soccer.” ([55:00] - Alex Morgan)

• Facing Sexism and Backlash ([56:01]):

  • Morgan recalls hearing outright sexism—even from leadership:
    “One of the board members... gets on the mic and goes, ‘Our women's team is so disappointing. They disgust me. They don't deserve to be paid what they're asking for…’ After, people in the room [were] clapping.” ([56:01] - Alex Morgan)
  • US Soccer’s defense in court:
    “Their main argument was that the man bears more responsibility because they are inherently faster and stronger... basically saying, like, women are inherently inferior. That’s... we dragged them.” ([58:10] - Alex Morgan)

• Winning the Lawsuit and its Impact ([61:38]):

  • Holding her daughter while signing the settlement:
    “When we settled and achieved equal pay… I was holding my daughter when we signed it… Over 500 hours of our own time… You never knew if… this was going to ever happen… You didn’t know what kind of effect this could possibly even have in sports.” ([61:38] - Alex Morgan)
  • On not reaping most of the benefits herself but choosing to fight anyway:
    “My hope is my daughter knows nothing other than equal... because I played some small part in it.” ([67:20] - Alex Morgan)

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The Legacy, Retirement, and Future of Women’s Sports

• Mentorship and Paving the Way ([34:26] / [67:20]):

  • Morgan celebrates the new generation of women athletes who can unapologetically take up space:
    “I just love when I see an 18 year old, like Trinity Rodman, showing up and being like, this is me. Take it or leave it. I don’t care. I love that.” ([34:26] - Alex Morgan)

• Retirement ([69:48]):

  • Morgan describes deciding to retire—having an “epiphany” with her husband over wine:
    “I’m ready to have more babies. I’m ready to hang up the boots… I feel like I did anything and everything I could have ever dreamed of and beyond in soccer. There’s nothing left I need to accomplish.” ([70:08] - Alex Morgan)
  • On the hardest part:
    “The hardest part was telling people… once I made the decision, it was like the biggest weight off of my shoulders.” ([70:42] - Alex Morgan)

• Jersey Retirement and Ownership ([74:06] / [74:47]):

  • The emotion of seeing her jersey retired:
    “You see male athletes get their jersey retired, but as a female athlete… goes the double standard. You just don’t think that that will happen to me because I’m a female athlete.” ([74:06] - Alex Morgan)
  • On becoming an investor in her team (San Diego), and the growth of the NWSL:
    “I’m proud of where the League has come… I wanted to invest back in the League at the team level… my daughter is jumping up and down with her posters… It’s so cool.” ([74:57] - Alex Morgan)

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Memorable Quotes

Alex Morgan [14:39]:
“I got a text from [my old coach]... ‘I’m so sorry. I was in the wrong headspace at the time…’ I was just like, fuck this. I’m not giving this the time of day at all.”

Alex Morgan [22:11]:
“Female athletes are expected to just be the most incredible, perfect role model... Is that why you play soccer? To inspire the next generation? It's always that.”

Alex Morgan [29:09]:
“I celebrated... and I sipped some tea in front of the world and Britain as we beat them. Yes, I did that. And then they came after me with vengeance... people wanted to kill me over it.”

Alex Morgan [51:15]:
“We are doing the same job for the same company as the men but getting paid vastly different and getting treated vastly different. We're sitting in 27B and the men are in 2A.”

Alex Cooper [55:00]:
“Soccer was like 5 to 10% of my annual income, but I spent like 90 to 95% of my time on it.”

Alex Morgan [61:38]:
“When we settled and achieved equal pay and millions—over $20 million back pay—I was holding my daughter when we signed it. It was a really special moment.”

Alex Morgan [67:20]:
"My hope is my daughter knows nothing other than equal... because I played some small part in it."

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Timestamps to Key Segments

• Childhood & Family Influence: [10:16]–[14:12]
• Team Dynamics & Imposter Syndrome: [15:45]–[18:58]
• Role Model Pressure & Double Standards: [22:47]–[27:58]
• The ‘Tea’ Celebration & Public Backlash: [28:39]–[31:04]
• Sexualization & Looks Over Talent: [35:07]–[39:50]
• Motherhood & Breaking Barriers: [40:16]–[48:20]
• Equal Pay Lawsuit: [51:15]–[61:38]
• Legacy, Retirement & League Growth: [67:20]–[76:32]

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Tone & Atmosphere

The conversation is intimate, frank, and relatable. Cooper’s admiration for Morgan sets a supportive tone, and Morgan combines humility and authenticity with sharp, sometimes biting humor (“I’m still waiting for my tea sponsorship” [30:57]). Both speakers highlight the absurdities of sexism in sports, often using sarcasm to underscore the broader systemic issues.

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Takeaways

• Morgan’s Career is Defined by More Than Soccer: Her most meaningful legacy comes from fighting for others—standing up for equal pay, setting new standards as a mother-athlete, and opening doors for the next generation.
• Double Standards Remain Profound: From media coverage to sponsor treatment to what’s considered “appropriate” celebration or appearance, women athletes continually face and challenge inequity.
• Change is Both Personal and Structural: Morgan’s journey shows how one person’s willingness to challenge unfair systems can yield far-reaching benefits, even when they may not personally profit most.
• Women Together are Unstoppable: Repeatedly, both Cooper and Morgan point out that the power of collective action—across generations and circles—can change entire industries.
• The Future Is Brighter—But the Work Continues: With growing fanbases, investment, and normalization of women’s sports as entertainment and opportunity, the foundation set by Morgan and her cohort is only the beginning.

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For Listeners

Even if you know little about soccer, the episode offers universal lessons about setting boundaries, persevering in adversity, advocating for yourself and others, and using your platform for good. Alex Morgan’s story is not just every athlete’s story—it’s every woman’s story.

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End of summary.

Transcript

[Alex Cooper]

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[Alex Cooper]

What is up Daddy Gang? It is your founding father Alex Cooper.

[Alex Morgan]

With Call Her Daddy.

[Alex Cooper]

Alex Morgan welcome to Call Her Daddy. Thank you.

[Alex Morgan]

Hi Alex.

[Alex Cooper]

Hi. Okay, you tell me when is the last time you touched a soccer ball? And I'll tell you.

[Alex Morgan]

Oh, my God. Like, okay, the last time I touched soccer ball was when? This was like, five months ago. Yeah. They tried to get me to do. To juggle in heels. And I said, I have. I can't juggle right now, let alone in heels. Okay, your turn. Tell me.

[Alex Cooper]

First of all, I need to validate you because when you're playing, you take obviously juggling so seriously because it's kind of like a fun thing that you do before practice or after games or whatever. And there's obviously the girls that are so good at it. I used to be really good. So I'm so competitive with myself. So whenever someone's like, oh, so juggle. I'm like, let me just. First of all, I haven't touched a soccer ball. So the fact that you think I can just do like a one legged volley up and then onto my knee, like, stop it.

[Alex Morgan]

You're so kind of scared coming here because I was like, are we gonna, like, bust out a soccer ball?

[Alex Cooper]

Really? No. My team literally had a soccer ball read. I was like, put that away. We didn't know. And they were like, what if for the promo, you, like, kick the ball? And I was like, wait, what? You want me to juggle? And they're like, no, just like, slide the ball to the left. And I was like, okay, that's bare minimum. But, like, I can do that. No, I haven't touched a soccer ball. Except for we got one for like, my little, like, nephew at our house, and he was playing with it. And then I, like, started to get competitive and he's three and then you.

[Alex Morgan]

Slide tackled him, basically.

[Alex Cooper]

And then they're all like, what is wrong with you? That's like, the last time I touched one. But to actually, like, play. No, I. It's makes me sad, but happy. Sad but sad. It's weird.

[Alex Morgan]

It is weird, but it's also like, don't want to be getting injured. So I will leave that in the past life.

[Alex Cooper]

Absolutely. We were good at one point. No, I was fine. You were great at one point. And now you deserve to relax and protect your shins and your knees. And the knees and your ACL and.

[Alex Morgan]

The ankles and the ACLs.

[Alex Cooper]

The whole thing. Okay, I just need to say, like, I have now interviewed two of your former teammates. I interviewed Abby Wambach and I interviewed Trinity Rodman. Do you keep up with these ladies or do you guys kind of do your own thing? Like, how do you vibe with old teammates?

[Alex Morgan]

Yes, to all that, Abby. We just, like, see each other randomly I actually got the. I recently got the Icon Award. That's not a humble brag, but, like, from espn. And Abby was like, I can't go to watch your Icon Award. So she went the night before and literally flew out, like, right after saying hi to me. And she's like, I just wanted to be here for you.

[Alex Cooper]

Wow.

[Alex Morgan]

And that was actually really incredible. I. Yeah, I, like, cried. I was like, thank you so much for being here. It means a lot. Like, she. Yeah. So me and Abby really care about each other, and Trinh is someone who I care dearly about, and I've just seen her career and just her life take off in front of my eyes, and I'm really happy for her. So I do try to keep up with the girls, but it's not. It's not like every day we're on, like, group text and texting and stuff. Like, I got kids. I have, like, mom group friends that don't even know who Alex Morgan is, which I'm so happy with.

[Alex Cooper]

You like it?

[Alex Morgan]

It's so nice. I just show up and I'm just like, one of the moms.

[Alex Cooper]

Until you're like, oh, now my little one want to play soccer? And all of a sudden, everyone's like, who can teach them? And then you're going to be able to be like, I'll do it.

[Alex Morgan]

I will be like, in my hoodie. Do you have an extra hoodie I can wear?

[Alex Cooper]

You're like, not me. Not me. And then you come out of retirement for your kids, and you're like, let's.

[Alex Morgan]

Go get the ball. Side tackle.

[Alex Cooper]

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I'm excited to talk to you today because you have paved the way for so many women on and off the field. And I have looked up to you for so long and I know so many people watching have. So I want to go back to the beginning a little bit here. You decided at seven that you wanted to be a professional soccer player. This is what I read. And you told your mom that this was going to happen. Can you share the story of when you told her this and what her reaction was?

[Alex Morgan]

Yeah. So taking us way back. So my sister, I have two older sisters, and I like, always wanted to follow in their footsteps. I was always trying to, like, do everything they did, but better, obviously, as a youngest sibling goes. And so my sister was like, decided to write a little sticky note to my mom to put in her office. Like, hi, mom, I love you so much and I want to become a model when I grow up. That was what my sister wanted to be. And I was like, model lame. Like, let me tell you. So I was like, hi, mommy, I love you so much. And when I grew up, I want to be a professional soccer player. And she was. Had, like, my sisters and mine posted them on the wall and was like, girls, you go. Go get it. Like, I will do anything you need to be able to accomplish that. So my mom took me to Mia Ham's retirement game. She bought season tickets to, like, two leagues before, two women's leagues before that folded, just to support the team. Like, we couldn't ever go to the games, but, like, just to support the team. And she was like, let's. Let's do this. Like, I'm here. We will fly across country. Like, I'll do anything to help you become a professional soccer player. Which, by the way, there was, like, little to no avenue to do that at the time.

[Alex Cooper]

Absolutely. Like, well, it's also cool for you, Alex, because I feel like so many girls did grow up being like, I'm gonna be a professional soccer player, and that doesn't happen. And you get to sit here now and, like, it's crazy even hearing you reference Mia Ham, because I grew up and Mia was just like my everything. I had the posters, like, I went to games. Like, I watched her on tv. And then you became a lot of young girls. Mia Ham. And how crazy to think that it started on this post it note and your mom, which is incredible to know that your parents were so supportive. And they were like, oh, we've got you. Because I think a lot of times when kids are young, parents can be like, yeah, yeah, yeah, sure, sure you want to do that. And then they don't actually help foster that drive and that dream that you have. So that's really cool. Your parents were supportive.

[Alex Morgan]

It was really awesome.

[Alex Cooper]

Your dad, though, was also a huge part of your life. You said that he was one of the best coaches that you ever had, but.

[Alex Morgan]

Did I say that?

[Alex Cooper]

Yes, you had said my dad was.

[Alex Morgan]

One at the time.

[Alex Cooper]

Yes. My dad had been one of my best coaches, even though he knew nothing about soccer.

[Alex Morgan]

That sounds on par.

[Alex Cooper]

Okay, perfect. Is there anything that you look back now that your dad, like, taught you or had you do that you're like, that literally made no sense, dad. Like, that makes no sense for soccer. But since you're my dad, I was just, like, doing it.

[Alex Morgan]

So I lived my, like, playing career just, like, I had my dad in the back of my head all the time because he. He knew, like, growing up, I played all different sports, and I knew I wasn't the best soccer player. Like, I was not the best tech. The most technical athlete out there. I had athleticism, but, like, put a ball on my foot and, like, I couldn't make it go exactly where I wanted it to go. But my dad, like, instilled this confidence in me, and he kept just. After every game, after every training, like, he didn't tell me, like, good job. You did everything perfectly. That there was criticism in there, but he would tell me, you are the best. Like, and you need to believe that when you step on the field, you need to believe that you are the best, because you are. Like, in my eyes, you deserve better. Like, we went to a team when I went from rec to club soccer, and he was like, this is not the team for you. They don't treat you like you're the best. The coach doesn't believe in you like, you believe in yourself. We're going to a different team. So I think, like, that confidence that he instilled in me and, like, he almost had for me kind of helped me believe that throughout my career. So it was like, I don't care that I'm not. Like, I don't care that I am not the best soccer player. I can't put the ball in the exact spot that I want to, but I'm going to believe that I'm the best all around, all day, every day, every day. And just having the mentality took me a really Long way.

[Alex Cooper]

I appreciate you sharing that. You acknowledge, like, you weren't always, like, the most talented on the team. Like, you really had to work for it, because I saw. When I was preparing for the interview, I was also shocked to learn that as a teenager, one of your coaches, you had said, told you that you weren't good enough for the team and that you would be a practice player. I love that you're smirking.

[Alex Morgan]

What? I'm smirking because I got a. I got a text from him.

[Alex Cooper]

Like, no.

[Alex Morgan]

Oh, my God. This was, like, last year. Like, I'm. It was a. It was a long text. I would have to pull it up, but it was like, I'm so sorry. I was in a. The wrong headspace at the time, and I. You know, I really apologize for what I said, but it seems like you've done it well for yourself, blah, blah. And I was just like, fuck this. Like, I'm not. I'm not giving this the time of day at all.

[Alex Cooper]

Wait. I also love that it took him this long.

[Alex Morgan]

Oh, like. Like, babe, I'm like, 20 plus years.

[Alex Cooper]

Stop. You're, like, fully winning, like, a World Cup. And he's like, can't text you then, but now he's finally, like, sliding in as you're, like, retiring, and you're like, bro, where has this been for the last two decades?

[Alex Morgan]

Yeah. No.

[Alex Cooper]

Okay. 2011 World Cup. You have to talk to me. You made history as the youngest player in the US to be on that team. Where was your head at mentally, when you realized, like, I am going to the World cup and I am the youngest rookie.

[Alex Morgan]

My head was, like, not anywhere to be found. I was like, day in line, do as you're told. Shut up. Like, don't say anything. Like, I. I could not be more opposite than these young players coming in. Like, I have arrived. Here I am. Know my name. Learn it, memorize it. Like, I was opposite of that. I was like, don't make a peep. Like, shut up. Like, don't do anything to get you to have anyone look at you even.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah, Alex, this is why I love interviewing people, because, like, again, I have images of you in my head on that field when you're, like, scoring and that, like, competitive, incredible part of you that, like, has that, like, beast mode inside of you. And then hearing you be like, I'm just, like, hiding behind the girls. Like, just happy to be here. Like, anyone need water?

[Alex Morgan]

Like, you know, though, when you step on the field, it's kind of your, like, release. Like, with you, maybe it's having a microphone in a room by yourself. You know, you just, like, are yourself in a way that you can't explain, and then you get that taken away from you. Like, I step off the soccer field, and I'm back to, like, oh, okay. These are my teammates that I've been looking up to my whole life. Like, Abby Wambach just scored the game winner to move us into the semifinal in extra. In overtime of extra time. Like, and now I'm off the field, and I'm, like, having dinner with her, and we're just like, have to move on to the next game. Okay, right.

[Alex Cooper]

Because you're, like, watching these women and they're so fucking talented, and you're watching them on your screen, and then you're sitting. Standing there next to them, and you're like, hey, guys, I'm Alex. How did you eventually get out of the imposter syndrome that any rookie would potentially feel? Well, not all rookies. You're right. Some are like, I'm literally hot. Watch out. How did.

[Alex Morgan]

Good for them.

[Alex Cooper]

Yes. How did you work through imposter syndrome?

[Alex Morgan]

I don't know. Sometimes I still feel like I'm living through that. Like, I. I still feel like sometimes, you know, even just a few years ago, showing up and being, like, the starter or maybe the star player, whatever it might be, I still feel like I would show up and be like, I know I belong, and I know I deserve to be here, and I know I've worked for this, but it still feels a little weird. Like, it still feels, like, weird to, like, know that millions of people are watching me play or that this, like, stadium is coming. Like, these 60,000 people are coming to watch us play, and I'm supposed to be scoring the goals, you know? So it. I don't. I don't know if you ever get over it, but you just get used to it. Like, you just, like, eventually it's rinse and repeat, and you. You get used to it, I guess.

[Alex Cooper]

Do you feel like there was a point in your career where you had a shift in your confidence level? Like, I get. The imposter syndrome is weird because it's like, who would get used to millions of people tuning in in these huge moments in your career? But, like, did your confidence ever be like, okay, I'm feeling better about myself and my game and, like, who I am in this league? Yeah.

[Alex Morgan]

I think in 2015, we won the World cup, and I felt like it was like, that was the first time in a long time we had won the World cup. And we felt like, okay, we want to celebrate and we want to party, but we still have to be, like, buttoned up. And we still have to be like, girls. We have to be nice women where we have to say the right thing. You can't curse. You can't, like, you don't want to be seen, like, drinking, God forbid, smoking a cigar. When you celebrate, like, no, that doesn't happen. Then Fast forward to 2019, and we were, like, owning our shit. We were like, yeah, we're the best. We're going to win. We filed a law, an equal pay lawsuit against US Soccer. We know that winning this is going to help our case, and we are the best. And so we, like, carried that, like, confidence in a way that I feel like women don't usually feel comfortable being able to do so because we've always been suppressed like, no, just be a nice lady. Shut up. And we were like, no, this is. And we're going to celebrate, and we're going to do that with alcohol, we're going to do that with parties, we're going to do that with loud music, we're going to do that with saying whatever the f we want. And. And we did. And I feel like that was the moment that I was like, oh, like, I can be. I can be a badass out on the field and I can celebrate my wins, but I can also be. I can also be. I could do. I could just be whatever I wanted to be. And I feel like it was just like, this eye opener in a way that almost was, like, opposite of what I, like, grew up knowing and being told what I needed to do and being, like, told I needed to be grateful for what I had.

[Alex Cooper]

I agree. I remember that moment where you guys win and we see these women, like, acting what some people would assume is more like men. And it's like, oh, my God, they have an alcoholic beverage in their hand and they're like, yeah, we just won. Like, can't we celebrate? But I. I can't help but attribute that to, like, I bet it would be so much harder if it had been a solo sport. I think there was something that all of you on this rise and having this huge win and having this momentum and this camaraderie, all of you as women finally were looking around being like, you guys, we're so good. We deserve this. Like, how are we not being able to enjoy what we've worked so hard for and for our country for? And I think that's such a testament to what we're saying is, like, look at the power of when women can actually come together and look around and be like, we. We actually don't all have to compete. We're here together, and let's use all of our voices to actually make a difference for all the younger generations. Which you guys did, which I want to get to now. Let's talk about the double standards, because this is, like, a perfect transition, because it's like, oh, my God, where do we even start? Obviously, women in sports are held to a much, much, much, much higher standard than men, right? Like, female athletes are expected to just be the most incredible, perfect role model for the young girls and to act.

[Alex Morgan]

Polite and all about, why do you do it? Do you do it for. You do it for the young girls? You do it to be a role model? Like, is that why you play soccer? Like, you want, like, to inspire the next generation? It's always, though. How many questions have I gotten? Like, just phrase like that.

[Alex Cooper]

When do you think at a point in your career when you started to go professional, did you feel, or is there an example where you were like, oh, my God, I'm really experiencing this overwhelming pressure to be a role model, not just a soccer player.

[Alex Morgan]

When during the Olympics in 2012, I start. I gained a starting spot earlier that year. And then scoring goals and winning the Olympics in 2012, I feel like I kind of shot up to, like, a fame that we didn't have in women's soccer for many years since mia. And so that was the moment that I felt like, okay, I really need to watch what I'm saying. Watch what I'm doing. I need to make sure that I'm, like, carrying myself in a good way, and I'm representing myself, my team, my country, my family in a positive way. Like, it was almost like, thinking through things. And in a lot of ways, like, my personality, like, I almost went inside of myself a little bit more, and I was still very much myself around my family and my boyfriend, my husband, now my boyfriend at the time. But I felt like I couldn't necessarily, like, show everybody who I was or, like, have that personality all the time, because I didn't really want to be, like, criticized in that way. I didn't want to be told that I wasn't being, like, a good role model for young girls. So I kind of just like, showed people what they wanted to see in here. And then behind closed door, like, I was myself.

[Alex Cooper]

When you say that, do you think if you went back, you would change anything?

[Alex Morgan]

I think if I, like, was Going through my professional career and, like, becoming that, like, 18, 20, 22 year old, like, professional athlete now, I think standards have shifted a little, so I think it would be a little bit different, and I think it would have shaped me differently in a way of feeling a little more confident to be like myself even when the cameras were on. But at the time, I feel like it was in a lot of ways, like, women's sports didn't really have a platform. We were really fighting to, like, get any access, like, for our games to be broadcasted, for more than 3,000 people to be coming to our games at the time. So it was like, do anything and everything to help this sport grow. And that means, like, how you carry yourself all day, every day, it's exhausting. It's really fucking exhausting.

[Alex Cooper]

Did you have people in your ear giving you feedback and advice, or were you navigating this and kind of figuring out how to move and be a role model publicly on your own?

[Alex Morgan]

Well, I was both navigating it through my teammates and, like, my agent and my family. But I was also seeing, like, how maybe some of my teammates who reacted in a different way, who maybe brought their egos publicly or, you know, had just not even. It's hard to say, ego, just, like, confidence, who brought them full. Their full selves to the public, like, were seen as in a negative way. And so I was like, well, I don't. I don't know that I want to have that much criticism on me at such a young age. So just, like, get in line and kind of do what you're told and, like, put on a happy face and, like, take every. Like, after games, I would literally be signing autographs and taking photos for, like, an hour. You don't see male athletes doing that. Like, they wouldn't stop for a photo after a game. Like, they're going to the locker room, they're showering, they're getting home, and they're having a beer or whatever they're drinking. But for me, I was like, that was what we had to do. We had to, like, show everyone that, like, every single person in that stadium mattered, that we were doing the most to grow our sport, that we were being a good role model. That so.

[Alex Cooper]

And it's like, also hearing you say that, I agree. It's like, there's so many moments where, of course, like, you're so grateful, you want to sign an autograph, you want to smile and take a picture, but it's the fact that it is this, like, prerequisite that you are expected and anything less than perfect, then you're probably a. Or you have some type of problem and you're an egomaniac and you're an. And, oh, Alex Morgan isn't even nice person. And all of a sudden you're like, wait, just because I, like, created a little bit of a boundary for myself because I just played a 90 minute game and now I just want to, like, quickly go rinse off and like, not take sweaty pictures for an hour. Yeah, that's gonna be a different double standard than men.

[Alex Morgan]

Yeah.

[Alex Cooper]

Do you feel like when you are still doing interviews like this, though a part of younger Alex Morgan, like the superstar, but also the role model, like, you have to fight against not leaning into that, like, PR side of yourself because you trained yourself for so many years?

[Alex Morgan]

Yeah, a little bit. I think it. It is definitely like, okay, it's okay to, like, open up. It's okay to share. To share things and be vulnerable. Whereas for so long it was like, just say the right thing, like, do something that makes it. You look like in a positive way as a representation of so many people. So it is. It is changing your mindset a little.

[Alex Cooper]

I have to commend you, though. I think it was the right decision back in the day. Like, I don't know if I would have changed anything, because I agree with you. I don't think the world was ready in the way that now women in sports are slowly able, through social media also to have control of their narrative. You were completely beholden.

[Alex Morgan]

We're able to have control of our narrative because, like, we have people like you able to talk about this on tv like, it was only men talking about that back then. So they were forming the narrative. The reporters. There was mostly. I would look out, I would be at a press conference on the table, I'd be looking out. It'd be mostly men. Now it's like, it really is split in a lot of ways. A lot more women have entered into sports in a great way.

[Alex Cooper]

2019 World Cup. I have to talk about the tea. You celebrated a goal against England by pretending to sip tea. And the Internet and the news.

[Alex Morgan]

Oh, all of Britain hated me. Hated me.

[Alex Cooper]

Alex, why do you think people. What did you do? You literally were just like, sipping tea.

[Alex Morgan]

Well, I scored, right?

[Alex Cooper]

Yes, you did, sweetie. Yes, you did. Don't leave that out. You scored and you celebrated.

[Alex Morgan]

I celebrated and I went over and I sipped some tea in front of. In front of the world and Britain as we beat them. Yes, I did that. And then they came after me with vengeance. And I was like, I just wanted to celebrate. I never celebrate. I never, ever had a celebration planned, ever. Look up any other celebration. You will not find one more. I had one celebration my whole life. It's the tea, and people wanted to kill me over it. Wait, wait, wait.

[Alex Cooper]

Take me back to that moment. You go and you do this. In that moment, you were just, like, reacting, and it felt right and you didn't plan it. Whatever.

[Alex Morgan]

Yeah.

[Alex Cooper]

Did you have any idea?

[Alex Morgan]

None.

[Alex Cooper]

And then when did you find out the amount of backlash? Like, immediately after the game.

[Alex Morgan]

Oh, my God. It just built. Like, after the game, the next day, two days later, three days later, Like, I had to, like, change. I had to be like. I don't know. It was off the cuff. It had nothing to do with Britain and how you guys like tea. I. It was like. I was like, this is kind of crazy. Can you guys stop coming after me?

[Alex Cooper]

Meanwhile, again, I'm sorry, but we have to do it. Like, can we pull up every absolutely insane dance gesture Weird that guys have done?

[Alex Morgan]

The gestures.

[Alex Cooper]

The gestures.

[Alex Morgan]

Yeah, we know.

[Alex Cooper]

But you sipped tea. You're like, I took a sip of tea. And they're like, you're dead. Meanwhile, men are doing some crazy at that, like, on the end zone, and people are like, like, gorgeous.

[Alex Morgan]

My player.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah, that's my man. Damn, he's so cool.

[Alex Morgan]

He's a bias jersey because of that.

[Alex Cooper]

Meanwhile, they're like, you're canceled because of that. Yeah, smile and just go back to the line and get ready.

[Alex Morgan]

Oh, man.

[Alex Cooper]

Crazy.

[Alex Morgan]

I'm still waiting for my tea sponsorship.

[Alex Cooper]

Oh, my God. Honestly, Lip didn't come through. Imagine.

[Alex Morgan]

I know.

[Alex Cooper]

Wait, that actually is, like, genius. They should do it right now. Come on, guys. You still can do it. There's still time.

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What message do you think it sends when we expect female athletes to be overly humble and to essentially downplay their success?

[Alex Morgan]

Not a great one, but again, I men have been in front of the narrative the whole time, so they're so now I just feel like, things have changed. Like, I just love when I see an 18 year old, when I see Trinity Rodman, like showing up and being like, this is me. Take it or leave it. Like, I don't care. I love that.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah, I agree. Let's talk about the double standards of how did you feel when a large part of the conversation at times throughout your career was about your looks?

[Alex Morgan]

Oh, man. I mean it was. Yeah, you know, it's. I can't complain. I got a lot of, I got a lot of opportunities because of it. But it was like sometimes really, it was like I, it was cringy. Like I would go on the Internet and be like, this is weird. This is really weird.

[Alex Cooper]

What do you remember sticking out to you of like just some comments that you remember.

[Alex Morgan]

Well, I, I don't know. It was, it was like going to an autograph signing and just having a guy come up with like all of my swimsuit pictures and being like, oh, I want to just add to the collection in my man cave. And I'm like, tmi, Like, I don't care. I don't care. Don't, like, don't tell me, don't tell me what you're doing with this, please. Like, this is weird.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah, it's so crazy because it's like you were one of the best on the field. And then in so many moments, like when I was researching for this, I was reading through so many moments, like in 2015, going into the World cup semifinals, FIFA posted an article calling you a talented goal scorer with a, with a style that is very easy on the eye and good looks to match. And it's like, wait, what? And then there was like a thing that, like, I remember reading that was all about how like your bronzed body, like, I'm like, what in the is happening?

[Alex Morgan]

It's like our talents aren't good enough. They gotta like find something for clickbait. I don't know.

[Alex Cooper]

And I remember reading it was one, I think for the Olympics where someone was saying, like, half of it is like, yeah, to go see the women on the field. And then the other fun part of watching the game is to decide like, who's the most good looking on the field.

[Alex Morgan]

Listen, I don't care why you buy the ticket to go to the game, as long as you're buying the ticket. Whatever, like, you can think whatever you want to think. I don't want to know your thoughts. You come to the game, you buy the ticket, you buy the jersey. Great, I'm going to get a piece of that. That. That's all I was thinking.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah, it's kind of how you have to think, right?

[Alex Morgan]

How you have to think when in.

[Alex Cooper]

Private moments with your husband or your family, like, did you ever open up about how it was impacting you? Like, were you ever like, embarrassed showing up to the field because people are treating you different than some of your teammates? Were you ever self conscious more? I know that would be confusing to people, but when people are focusing so much on your looks, are you feeling like you have to have your hair perfect and your makeup perfect? Like, how did it impact you personally?

[Alex Morgan]

Well, I, I mean, I honestly like dealt with a lot of acne in my career and. Or just like in my life actually. It literally just cleared up when I stopped playing because I stopped like lathering with sunscreen like every 30 minutes on my face and putting lots of makeup on and sweating and everything. Like suddenly, I mean, your face just clears up when you're like not throwing on it all day every day in the sun. So, yeah, I was super self conscious because I knew in a lot of ways, like, a lot of the conversation was about my looks and, but. But also, I mean, I did like Sports Illustrated swimsuit. I've done things where it does, like, put my looks or my body on display, and I'm fully aware of that as well. But yeah, there got weird sometimes. But I think again, like, I had this mentality where I just never wanted to overanalyze something. Like, I didn't want to think through really why someone was over fixating on my looks or, like, why there was a dumb headline about not how many goals I scored, but how high my pony was and how, I don't know, how nice my eyelashes looked or whatever it might be.

[Alex Cooper]

What was the experience like with your teammates?

[Alex Morgan]

For the most part, it was fine. I mean, like, most of my teammates were really, like, we were all super supportive of each other. I. I'd say there was like one or two teammates that were like, well, I don't, I don't wear makeup like some of my teammates. And so I don't really try to like put myself out there like that, you know, and they would say comment like that and you're like, like really, like, did you have to go there? I. So it. Would you just kind of brush it off and you're like, okay, I fully am aware. We don't all have to be best friends. We don't even have to like each other. We just have to play together.

[Alex Cooper]

You have to have a mutual respect. When you're playing where it's like, each woman is going to do their own thing. Let's support each other, whether you want to glam up or not. Like, who gives a. Yeah, all you should care about is that I'm gonna play well. Bye.

[Alex Morgan]

Literally, that's it.

[Alex Cooper]

I remember when you announced your pregnancy and people immediately were freaking the fuck out. Alex. They were like, oh, my God.

[Alex Morgan]

Was I?

[Alex Cooper]

Well, yeah, we're gonna get to that. Yeah. You're like, oh, hello. Everyone was like, what is this gonna do to her body? What is this gonna do for her ability to play the sport? Like, talk to me about your reaction. Like, you just said pregnancy, and then also your reaction to the public's reaction to your pregnancy.

[Alex Morgan]

So when I got pregnant with my first Charlie, this was when I was 29. So, like, height of my career now. I mean, players like Mal Swanson and Sophia Smith, Sophia Wilson are pregnant, and they're like, 24, 28. Like, I think that's how old they are.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah.

[Alex Morgan]

Literally, so much career ahead of them, and it's so amazing that they're able to do both, have a family, be moms and play and have a very long career. But at the time, it was not so common. So, yeah, people were definitely like, how could she do this? I can't. Like, she's never going to get back to where she was before. I mean, not even getting into, like, my looks, but just, like, the talent and being able to, like, play at the level again. And I myself had a little bit of fear for that before I got pregnant. And once I got pregnant, I was in go mode. I was like, like, no, I'm gonna get back to playing. I'm gonna have my daughter. I'm gonna show my daughter the world, and it's gonna be great. And I'm gonna, like, do everything I set my mind to and want to accomplish after, like, starting a family. But, yeah, it was. It was not, like, the happy, like, congrats and we can't wait, like, for you to have your baby and get back out on the field type reception that I initially thought it would be right.

[Alex Cooper]

It was kind of like, what are you doing?

[Alex Morgan]

It was like, why would you choose. Why would you choose that over your career? Like, you are in the height of.

[Alex Cooper]

Your career and talk to me about your decision to start a family at that point in the middle of your career.

[Alex Morgan]

It goes back to honestly, like, owning who we were in 2019. Like, we won, and we were like, this is us. Take it or leave it. And I always wanted to be a mom. And honestly, like, the confidence that I had growing through that year between the. The lawsuit, between winning the World cup, scoring many goals, getting, like, the silver boot in the. In the World cup, like, I felt really good about myself. And after that, I was like, I've done everything I've wanted to do. I'm not done playing soccer, but I have been able to accomplish everything I've wanted to. Now it's my turn in life to do what I want to do. Like, and so it was the right.

[Alex Cooper]

Time for me, and that's all that matters. And I think the difficulty of being someone that represents the country in these moments is a lot of people feel like they then should have a say on you and your life and all these things. And meanwhile, which we're gonna get to. You're like, oh, maybe if I was even being treated well. But, guys, like, let's. Let's calm down. You all care about us, which I. I now, being involved in the league, I'm like, it's like, we have to stop just pretending it's every four years. But it's like, for you guys, it's like people caring about women's sports for the Olympics or the World cup, and then it's like, they act like they have a hold over your life, but it's like, this is my life 24 7. You guys are getting to see me in these big moments, but I. I'm putting my body on the line throughout the whole year, and, like, I want to do something for myself, and that's okay. But it is crazy that people make you feel like, no, this should be a joint decision of the country. Put it on your Instagram story and let's all do a poll if Alex is allowed to have a kid or not. Like, that's literally how crazy people on. They think that they deserve a say in your life.

[Alex Morgan]

Yeah. And it is a really private thing to get pregnant and then to share your pregnancy not only with your friends and family, but, like, with. With your teammates in the world. So it was a really scary moment. Like, I was, like, going to the doctor's appointment, like, really secretively, and this, you know, having conflicted emotions, like, I'm so excited, but also, like, I can't have one person see me going into this doctor or else, like, it's going to blow up on the Internet. Or, like, I. I don't know who I can tell without, like, sharing this really private information that I don't want shared. So just going, my club team and the NWSL Orlando at the time and the national team. It was, it was like, it was really scary. Like, treading that while also, like, it supposed. Supposed to be being like one of the most happiest moments of my life too.

[Alex Cooper]

Right. And you're navigating it in fear and secrecy a little bit.

[Alex Morgan]

Oh, yeah. Which I know I'm. I'm not alone. I know a lot of women deal with that as well.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah.

[Alex Morgan]

Yes.

[Alex Cooper]

When you have your child and you go back to playing. Talk to me about navigating, being a mother and also being a professional athlete. And how were you navigating those first few years?

[Alex Morgan]

It was not easy. Let me rephrase that. It was very difficult because there was. There was like, no, there was no rules. There was no standard for moms, like, in the NWSL or even on the national team. Like, we had to write. I had to draft up an agreement with the general manager at Orlando, like, that my daughter could travel with me and a child care provider, like a nanny. And also that they could come into team meals. Like, they pushed back on, like, coming into the meal room, I'm like, no, I need my daughter to come. Like, she needs to be with me or like going in the locker room. It's like, no, my daughter's going to come with me into the locker room and she can go like to the suite or whatever when I'm ready for her to go. Or even like having a ticket to a suite. Not like in the stands with fans. Like, no, I'm not having my one year old daughter, like, in the stands with fans asking for a photo of my one year old. That's weird. So it was just like, right. Like it was writing all these rules that had never been written before. And I was like, like, oh, my God. I've. I've seen players have kids before in soccer and on the national team. How do they do. How did they do this? With even less acts like resources and support than I do. So it was, it was interesting because I was like being pulled in a million directions. And I was trying to be a great mom and I was trying to be a great soccer player, but I was also now having to, like, write new rules and advocate for all moms in the future in soccer. And so it was just like a lot at once.

[Alex Cooper]

So just a little bit.

Just, just a little bit at once.

[Alex Morgan]

You can tell, like, I'm like, really passionate about this subject.

[Alex Cooper]

Well, you. As you should be, because it's like you. When you started to live it again, Alex I feel like there were so many moments in your career where it was kind of thrust upon you to, like, be the face of these moments, and you're not even sitting here being like, I didn't want to be. It definitely wasn't something you were asking for. It does show your inner strength that, like, in all of these moments, you were able to be like, I've never done this before. I have no one, basically, that can kind of, like, guide me. Unless 1. The first conversation we had at the beginning of this is, like, your rise to fame and this, like, intense pressure that was put on you for your looks and your game and all that. I guess you could have called Mia, but there's, like, one or two, three women in the world that you could be calling to ask this. Then you're going through the mom thing, realizing you are one of these star players who has a little bit more privilege than maybe some of the other women. Yeah, but still, it's like, I didn't. I read somewhere where you were like, I'm in the back of the plane with my daughter on my lap, and we're going to, like, the Olympics or something. Like, what happened with that?

[Alex Morgan]

There's been many, many situations like that, but definitely my daughter was. So I was go. I had just got traded to San Diego. I was so excited about playing. Playing for San Diego in the Nubia cell. And this is, like, three years ago, and my daughter was one. One and a half, I think. So a one and a half year old, you know, is running around. They're very active. They're. They're not an infant. Like, they. They weigh like 25, 30 pounds, maybe more. And I got, like, on the bus and I got a ticket for my seat, and it was like, 27B. And I got one ticket. And I was like, I have my daughter with me. They're like, yeah, well, she's under two, so she. She could sit on your lap. And I was like, I'm 27B with. This is like, three years ago with my one and a half year old on my lap, and we're going from San Diego to New York. Excuse me. I was like, like. And back to the privilege thing. I said, I'm sorry, I cannot go on this trip if you don't get a seat for my daughter. This is not happening. This is not. I. I will walk off this bus. And they got me a ticket for my daughter. And I feel fortunate to be in that situation, to be able to have said that and set then a standard across the League for now, it being a child one and over, having their own seat. I feel like a child should have their own seat regardless. It doesn't matter if they're like two months old.

[Alex Cooper]

I agree with you.

[Alex Morgan]

You bring the car seat and you put it in the seat so we can get off of the plane and go play our sport and go, go run around without our legs going numb. So there was a lot of challenges to work through, a lot of barriers to break down.

[Alex Cooper]

But it's incredible like that you got again, you speaking up in that moment now is going to change women's lives in the future in this league. And I'm going to get there because I know now being involved, there's so much change that is happening in the nwsl, which is amazing.

[Alex Morgan]

It's amazing.

[Alex Cooper]

It's incredible. But I do want to first get to equal pay. Okay, girl. So I realize I have like, also a pretty young audience that also tunes in. So I want you to kind of explain this. So obviously one of the most, most, most forever legendary things that you did in your entire career. We're talking about World Cups and we're talking about Olympics and we're talking about all the things. Is you advocating for and achieving equal pay. And for my listeners who may not be as familiar, can you talk about what led you and your teammates to sue the U.S. soccer Federation for equal pay?

[Alex Morgan]

Yes. We sued our employer in 2019, three months before we went to the World Cup. So this started back in 2015. We won the World cup first time in 16 years. All of a sudden had like, sold out stadiums. We were seeing revenue. We were generating revenue for U.S. soccer like never before. We were getting sponsors coming to U.S. soccer saying, we want to work with the women. U.S. soccer doesn't do sponsors for only the women's or men's team. They bundle them together. U.S. soccer is like one umbrella. Sponsors come and they get everything. So we were seeing this. The books are open. U.S. soccer Federation is like, like a, a company in order. You can see the taxes, you know, you can see the, the returns at the end of the year. So you're like, okay, I know what you're making. I know what we're generating. This isn't adding up. So 2016 comes around, we file. We file a motion with the eeoc, the Equal. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and it goes nowhere. Like, it sits. It sits. It's three years go by and we know that we are bringing money into U.S. soccer. However, we are getting paid, for example, like per game, 1500 for a win, like, 0 for a tie, 0 for a loss. The men, I'm throwing this out there, but I think it's almost accurate. 12,000 for a win. Like, it was, like, astronomically different. Like, at the end of the year, we were making. If you played in every single game, you're making maybe like 85, 90,000 men, if they were to play the same amount of games as us, win the same amount of times as us, like 400 plus thousand dollars. Like, it was. It was so different. There was such a gap that we were like. And then we were seeing what we were generating, like, the revenue we were generating for them. And we're like, this doesn't make sense in terms of what we're bringing in, but also we're doing the same job for the same company as the men, but getting paid vastly different and getting treated vastly different. We're sitting in 27B and the men are in 2A. So we're like, this is not adding up at all. And don't get me started also on FIFA and how we had to also. And they've come a long way. But back in 2015, there was. There was a lot of challenges also on that front. So we went to US Soccer and we filed a lawsuit, we sued them. And was it always. How many of it was Every single. It was every single current player except for one. Yeah, everyone. And that was the only reason we actually got to where we are today. And in achieving equal Pay back in 2022, plus back pay, plus millions of dollars of back pay, was because of us. 25, 30 players getting on calls with the lawyers every week, doing depositions, doing multiple failed settlements in Chicago, in New York, like, taking our own time to fly to New York to hear them bullshit us this time and time again.

[Alex Cooper]

When you guys decided to do this, were you. Did you all deliberate beforehand? Like, what are the risks? And like, okay, so you guys were not.

[Alex Morgan]

The risk was like, you could be cut. The risk was like, you might not have a future in soccer there. Like, the risks were, like, big. I mean, they were like, the media can turn against you and you can lose your sponsorships. You can loot. Like, which, by the way, sponsorships were, like, doing, like, the work off of the field for a lot of us was in a lot of ways For. For me especially, it was like 90 to 95 of my annual income. Like, soccer was like, 5 to 10% of my annual income, but I spent, like, 90 to 95 of my time on it.

[Alex Cooper]

Talk to me about once this went Public, Because I know everyone was like, you guys, one of your biggest fears was the public, right? And I know that it was a little divided. Like, I think a lot of people publicly were in support. But then there were definitely people that were vocal being like, no, you guys are being greedy. Like, this is not. You guys shouldn't be doing this. What do you remember feeling when you started to hear these negative reactions?

[Alex Morgan]

I, I was really saddened, but I wasn't like surprised. I remember specifically going to the U.S. soccer Annual Board because I was on the athletes council and you get a chance to like speak at the end if you want. There's a microphone, like a hot mic mic, and one of the board members from another board. It's like there's like 300 people in the room. He gets on the mic and he goes, our women's team is so disappointing. They disgust me. They don't deserve to be paid what they're asking for. They don't even deserve what they're getting now. He goes on and on for five minutes. And after you hear people in the room clapping, like at the U. S soccer annual board meeting. And U.S. athletes were mortified, like embarrassed on his behalf, but also like, this is who's making the decisions in this room. Okay, we, we have a lot of work to do.

[Alex Cooper]

And how scary. You're all sitting there, sitting there and people are just clapping.

[Alex Morgan]

This is after we won back to back World cups.

[Alex Cooper]

I know, and I'm sorry.

[Alex Morgan]

After, like they're fully aware of the books too. Like, well, what's going on with the finances?

[Alex Cooper]

I was gonna say no shade, but I guess this is shade. Like, you guys were objectively so much better than the men. The men's team was sucking ass. You guys were winning everything. And I think everyone's probably like, what is happening? Like, how are they. It's one thing if people are even trying in their up brains to be like, the men are getting paid more because. Because they're. They're doing better in their league or whatever. The. It doesn't matter. You guys are doing the same job and you're having insane income and the men are getting all of these profits and you guys are getting chump change. Like it made.

[Alex Morgan]

That's what I thought. That's. Yeah.

[Alex Cooper]

Thank you. Because I.

[Alex Morgan]

We're on the same page here.

[Alex Cooper]

I think people with.

[Alex Morgan]

At least do you know what U.S. soccer said? Okay. Their main, their main statement, we had to submit court documents like, like basically saying, like how. Basically saying why we deserve equal pay and U.S. soccer saying why we didn't.

[Alex Cooper]

Y.

[Alex Morgan]

Their main argument was that the man bears more responsibility because they. What was it? They bear more responsibility because they are inherently faster and stronger. They. Because it takes more strength and speed by a man, and so the responsibility is greater. So basically saying, like, women are inherently inferior. That's that. We dragged them.

[Alex Cooper]

They retracted.

[Alex Morgan]

Retracted that statement later.

[Alex Cooper]

They're like, we're so embarrassing. We're sorry. Jesus Christ. But that's what's so scary, is people genuinely, like, believe this.

[Alex Morgan]

They had multiple eyes on that before they submitted that, and they thought that that was the right thing to say. Like, yeah, we believe this. Men are superior because of their muscles. Like, I'm sorry, what?

[Alex Cooper]

While you're in the midst of this, I can't. Like, I'm like, where do I even go for, like, you know when you're.

[Alex Morgan]

Really uncomfortable and you just laugh because it's like, this is. I don't know what else to do with my face.

[Alex Cooper]

No, literally, like, we're laughing and it's pathetic. And. And it's so fucking sad, though, because it's like, women's sports is such a good representation of how women are not equal in this fucking country.

[Alex Morgan]

Yeah. But, hey, we're getting there.

[Alex Cooper]

That's where we're getting there. Also, just so you guys know, as you're listening, we're getting there because it actually is going to get better. I know we're in the trenches right now, and we're like, fuck this shit. But we're getting there because it does get better. Okay, talk to me about, though, about the headspace. I do think, which is interesting to know as an athlete, of, like, you're in this legal battle for six years, but you're still having to play for the organization that you're suing.

[Alex Morgan]

Yeah.

[Alex Cooper]

What was that mentally, like, showing up.

[Alex Morgan]

Every day, being, like, a mind for sure. Like, it was like, hey, Alex, like, Like, you also are coming to me. Can you do this interview? Can you do this feature ball? And I'm like, thinking to myself, why would I do anything for you guys? But then I'm thinking to myself, well, if we come. If we do the. If we settle, if I win this lawsuit, then, you know, we are going to be besties again. And eventually I do want you to pay me more. So, like, do I. Do I go the extra mile for you? We had so many really heated conversations with the president of U.S. soccer, who had to step down because of very poor decisions that he made. Very poor comments that he made. I. I mean, the amount of times I had to wake up at 2.15am on the West coast to do a hit on TV to talk about the lawsuit. Countless. I. And this is like, then you wake up at 2:15, you do the hair and makeup, you go on TV, you do like the six minute hit with Robin Roberts. And then you go home and you wash your makeup off and you go to training and then you're exhausted and you're like, I just feel like I worked a full day. But oh, yeah, I forgot I'm not getting paid enough at all for what I'm doing.

[Alex Cooper]

Talk to me about when you guys win this lawsuit and like, realizing that you had achieved equal pay. Where were you and what did it mean to you?

[Alex Morgan]

It meant everything. So US Soccer hired Cindy Parlocon, who was a national team, a women's national team player, scored many goals, very good player. She became US Soccer president also. That was a voluntary position. Like, you did not get paid to do that. So when she came in charge of that, we were like, okay, we. We got one on the inside. We got this. Still got to convince that board. But. But we got this. And when we settled and achieved equal pay and millions over $20 million back pay, I was holding my daughter when we signed it. My daughter was three years old. Two and a half. Three years old. And it was a really special moment because it was. I mean, you got to think like over 500 hours of our own time put into something that, like, you never knew if it was. Was going to ever happen. Like, you didn't know how you were going to be seen as. You didn't know if this was going to work out. You didn't know, like, what kind of effect this could possibly even have in sports.

[Alex Cooper]

And the emotional toll that I can imagine it took on you. Also, you knowing, like, I'm not someone that's probably going to see the most benefits from this because I'm closer to be being on my way out of this league.

[Alex Morgan]

Yeah.

[Alex Cooper]

But knowing that you did this and you fought this fight because now it's going to impact so many women now to come to this league is incredible that you guys did this.

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Remember when I decided to get involved with the nwsl. I think that was one of like my first conversations that I had with the current commissioner, Jessica Berman. I remember I sat with her in New York City and I had a meeting with her and I had like opportunities to put my hydration drink with like you know, in certain areas and I was like I want soccer but like what are we doing for these women and how is this changing, changing? And I will tell you the almost one of the single handed reasons that I decided to sign that contract with the NWSL is because of that woman. She is the commissioner. The way that she's talking about like she's owning like I cannot believe what has happened in the past and I come from the male sports side and my goal in my literal life right now and I see her sacrificing her time with her family and everything, as all the other athletes are doing is like, I'm going to make change. And I know it's not going to happen overnight. And I remember she had told me, she's like, in my office, I have framed burn it. When Rapinoe literally tweeted and was like, fudgeing, burn it. Like, she's like, I look at that every single day, and I'm like, I am going to work my ass off to support and protect these women. And to me, that is also a product of you and all the women who stood there. Because it's like, now every single time we chip away at this, it's not going to change overnight, but it's getting better. So as fucked up as all this was, was, thank you for all the work that you did. Because now all these women who are playing right now wouldn't have had the rights that they do. And I know they still are, probably want to fight for more things, but you guys got the ball rolling in a way that is going to change generationally, women's sports.

[Alex Morgan]

Yeah. Honestly, that's. Yeah. Thank you. Just taking ownership is so important and, like, holding yourself accountable and knowing that, like, we all have a part to play. And also, we likely won't reap the benefits of what we're fighting for, but the hope is that our kids will. Like, my hope is my daughter knows nothing other than equal. She knows nothing other than having as much access to a soccer field, to the best, like, coaches, to the best opportunities, because I played some small part in it. I. I look at these young players coming into the nwsl and I'm like, yeah, you have that confidence. Yeah. You walk in there proudly and you ask for what you deserve, because in a lot of ways, like, that's what we fought for, but we didn't have that opportunity. I mean, players, first contracts, the first year of the NWSL that I played in, aging myself, dating myself with $6,000, not a month for the season. $6,000 to play in the NWL for the season. Players are getting over $500,000 now to play. And maybe in three years, a million, and maybe in three more years, five million. Who knows? It started with those players.

[Alex Cooper]

It's crazy to think about. I also just couldn't help but think, as you're saying, that how many women listen to this show and it's like. Like this doesn't have to just be applicable to sports. I think sometimes when you as a woman, want to try to create Change, whether it's at your job or socially or whatever, it be like, it can feel really disorienting because you're essentially most of the time, the only woman in the room. Like, even as. Although we're talking about women's sports, you're like, all of the people we're in the room with are these men that are making these decisions. Right. And so I think this is one of the most concrete, incredible examples of, of, yes, it. You may not completely reap the benefits of the fight that you go towards to get more equality for women in your sector of wherever you are in life, but this is a perfect example. Your daughter, now, if she decides to go and play, she is going to have a better life because of you. And how cool is that?

[Alex Morgan]

And hopefully in or out of sport.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah. Let's talk about your retirement. You said that you had an epiphany talking to your husband one night, that this was what needed to happen.

[Alex Morgan]

Over some red wine.

[Alex Cooper]

Your teeth are stained. You're like, babe, it's over. He's like, go brush your teeth. Yeah, okay, so you have some wine. What is this conversation like?

[Alex Morgan]

It was just like, I'm ready. Like, I'm, I'm ready to have more babies. I'm ready to hang up the boots roots. I'm ready to have my weekends free. And I'm, I'm just, I'm. I feel like I did anything and everything I could have ever dreamed of and beyond in soccer. There's, like, nothing left that I feel like I need to accomplish.

[Alex Cooper]

What was the hardest part of making the decision?

[Alex Morgan]

The hardest part was telling people, people that, yeah, it, it wasn't making the decision. Honestly, once I made the decision, it was like the biggest weight off of my shoulders. I just, like, came to training. No one knew at this time. You know, this is March or April, and I didn't retire till September. I came to training, like, just, like, happy and, like, this is my, I don't know, my last first soccer game in 2025, you know, 2020. What was it for? What year are we in? Jesus. But it was, it was just like a lightness that I had never, that I hadn't had for years, I think. Just, like, carrying not only the pressure that I had on myself, but also the weight of, like, being in a way, like, the face of the league and away, like, carrying myself in a positive way all day, every day, in front of cameras, whatever it may be. Like, I, I, I just feel like it was, it was a lot, and I didn't know. I didn't know until I made the decision that then I was like, there's this lightness to me. What is this?

[Alex Cooper]

And yeah, I was gonna say, like, aren't you like, isn't your body exhausted?

[Alex Morgan]

Yeah, exhausted. You get older and you're like, oh, I have these 18 year old teammates and I cannot keep up.

[Alex Cooper]

It's time where you're like, I'm, I'm in pain. Like, I gotta go. Like, you deserve to relax.

[Alex Morgan]

Thank you. I think so too.

[Alex Cooper]

You do. Alex, did you ask any one of your, like, former teammates for any advice on like, how to approach announcing a retirement or did you just like, let it rip on your own?

[Alex Morgan]

I actually looked up a lot of retirement like, announcements. I. I saw Abby's. I was a really. I had a front row view of Pinot's because hers was right before the World cup in 23 and she was retiring at the end of the year. So I like saw the way a lot of people announced their retirement and did their official like video or whatever it may be. And I just was like, yeah, I want to just like speak directly to everyone and I want to lay it all out there. And then surprise. I got pregnant. So retirement happened a little bit quicker.

[Alex Cooper]

I know. I love that you're like, oh, by the way, also retiring and. And I'm pregnant.

[Alex Morgan]

That was not the. That was a, that was a surprise for sure. Yep. I'm one of those. I was like, I won't get pregnant. I got pregnant. Oh my God.

[Alex Cooper]

But what a nice thing to then look forward to. You're like, peace out. And I have another one on the way.

[Alex Morgan]

Extremely stressful for like two weeks. I was like, I was actually talking with my manager and I was like, okay. Or they were like, we have this great, like, run like Runway to retirement and like your announcement and then you're gonna get your flowers and then this and then that. And I'm thinking to myself, I gotta tell them. I really gotta tell them that my time's coming.

[Alex Cooper]

Oh my God.

[Alex Morgan]

So, yeah, they was supposed to be a call about figuring out the next three months. And I was like, no, I actually am coming up on three months pregnant and I need to retire like this weekend. Like, I'm three months pregnant and I can't do it anymore. I can't hide it. I can't play. I can't do it.

[Alex Cooper]

Your jersey is officially being retired. Congratulations. I mean, that's.

[Alex Morgan]

Thanks.

[Alex Cooper]

Epic in a lot of ways. But like, how do you feel about it?

[Alex Morgan]

So good. I I just never even thought that that was a possibility. I guess, um, you just, I mean, you see male athletes get their jersey retired, but I don't know, as a female athlete, there goes a double standard again. You just don't, like, think that that will happen to me because I'm a female athlete. So it's, it's, it's incredible. I, it's, it'll, it's a proud moment for me. And now having my son and my daughter and be able to go out on the field and wave to everybody and have two kids and a family and just be really happy and at peace where I left the game.

[Alex Cooper]

It's incredible.

[Alex Morgan]

And now be an investor in the team.

[Alex Cooper]

I know.

[Alex Morgan]

I was going to say that I'm getting my jersey retired from. Yeah.

[Alex Cooper]

Talk to me about the decision to invest in San Diego.

[Alex Morgan]

Well, you, you did your research as well with Unwell and where to bring it, and I did mine as well. I, you know, I gave everything to this league since the very start. I was one of. I, I don't even know if that there maybe be. Might be one or two more players currently playing that played in the league. Back in 2013, when it first started, when there was nothing, when there were no showers after a game in a locker room room, you're like, I.

[Alex Cooper]

Or even a locker room. Don't forget it.

[Alex Morgan]

Okay, don't forget it. But I'm really proud of where the league has come and I'm proud of what the small part. Smaller, maybe not. I don't know of the part I partook in that, in creating a league that is sustainable, that, that can create stars, global stars, that, that is viewed over multiple platforms weekly. That also wasn't the case in 2013. Couldn't barely get a tweet back then. So I, I, I'm just, Yeah, I, I wanted to be able to invest back in the league at the team level and to be in San Diego and raise my kids there and have them have also, like, some ownership over an affiliation with the team. More than just like, mom played there. We go to the games now. My daughter was like jumping up and down with her posters. She's waving at all of the players, like, trying to get their, trying to get their attention, them, like waving back to her. It's, it's so great, it's so cool.

[Alex Cooper]

To hear you talk about, you know, getting invested now in the league in a different way than being a player, but basically being like, part of the ownership. And I would just like, want to say, because I this year obviously have gone to more NWSL games now with my partnership with them and like to women listening, I think when you're in high school, when you're in college and when you're in your 20s, 30s and so on, like I think a lot of times, especially with social media we feel like where is my social life and where can I meet people and where can I get out and actually be in physical with other women that are like minded. And now every single NWSL game that I've gone to, I number one have met actually some of my heroes. Like when I met Brandy Chastain the other month I was like, okay, well young Alex actually is like alive inside right now and is thriving and is crying. And so if you were ever a soccer fan, there's always former players that you know their names and you can run into and it's really cool. But then also the current players are so incredible and their personalities you see online, which is fun to be able to follow them and then go and see them in real life. But I would say also for people that maybe aren't as sports oriented, the biggest draw was people go and just go to have a nice time and meet people and it's a very welcoming.

[Alex Morgan]

Environment but also really fun.

[Alex Cooper]

It is really fun. And I think again I know women sometimes sports can be intimidating. If you haven't gotten into sports and I'm telling you the easiest way into sports is through women's sports and the nwsl. We just have so many cool things going on and like giving away jerseys and I know when we do unwell pop ups like in it's like fun activations that I don't know, I just, I hope that people look and invest more in women's sports because not only are you investing in the players and just women inequality in general, but you're also investing in yourself because you're going to meet women and you're going to make friends in your city or wherever you live. So don't overlook it. Get to these games. It's very fun. I had a great time.

[Alex Morgan]

Extremely fun. I mean look at even all the owners across the board. Like I'm sorry, Natalie Portman.

[Alex Cooper]

No, like it's so sexy. Like yes Natalie, like it's fun. It's really fun. It's cool to see everyone investing. And I appreciate you though Alex, because you have paved the way like you said, since there were literally no showers and now it's getting sexier. But then you've been there since the non sexy days, Alex. I Can't thank you enough for coming. I think, like, the conversation we had for women, especially right now is that, like, timely past sports of just like everything that's going on in the world. I think women need conversations like this to feel like they have something to look forward to. And I will be honest. I think it's like kind of rare that you get to sit down with a woman that can actually like, roll out her portfolio and be like, this is what I advocated for and this is literally what came of it. So to sit with you and be able to hopefully one, I'm sure there's a lot of people learning about this story that maybe it didn't hit their news cycle when it all went down. I'm happy they're going to learn about it. And hopefully this inspires other women to be like, okay, wait, maybe, like, I am way stronger and if I get some of my women together, we can actually change some around us. And if we did that today, we did our jobs. Alex, we don't need to juggle, honey. Okay? We don't need to pick up a soccer ball anymore. We can just talk about it and we can make change happen.

[Alex Morgan]

That's right. Well, thank you for having me on. You are so badass and I love listening and watching you. You've built a empire. So congrats. Thank you.

[Alex Cooper]

So have you. Oh, my God. Done. You're amazing.

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