Logo
8lete8

Alex Morgan

~Baby Horse

Jul 02' 1989

Nationality
USA

The Exhilarating Story...

In the world of soccer, few names shine as brightly as Alex Morgan's. A dynamic forward with an impressive goal-scoring record, Morgan has become a household name in the realm of women's football. From her early days on the pitch to her pivotal role in leading the United States Women's National Team (USWNT) to victory, Morgan's journey is nothing short of inspirational. Alexandra Patricia Morgan grew up with a passion for soccer. Her journey to greatness began at a young age, and she quickly stood out as a promising talent. Morgan's dedication and natural talent paved the way for her to join the University of California, Berkeley, where she played college soccer and honed her skills. Morgan's breakthrough on the international stage came during the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup. At just 22 years old, she showcased her scoring prowess by netting crucial goals, including the game-winner against France in the semifinals. This victory catapulted the USWNT to the final, where they ultimately fell short to Japan in a heartbreaking loss. Nevertheless, Morgan's performance solidified her as a rising star in women's soccer. Building on her success, Morgan played a pivotal role in the USWNT's gold medal run at the 2012 London Olympics. Her speed, agility, and clinical finishing were instrumental in securing victories and etching her name into the annals of American soccer history. The dynamic forward continued to be a key player for the national team, contributing to their back-to-back World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019. Morgan's club career has been equally impressive. She has played for renowned clubs such as the Portland Thorns in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and Tottenham Hotspur in the English Women's Super League. Wherever she goes, Morgan leaves an indelible mark, showcasing her ability to adapt to different playing styles and contributing significantly to her team's success. Like any athlete, Morgan has faced her fair share of challenges. Injuries and setbacks have tested her resilience, but true to her character, she has consistently bounced back stronger. Her ability to overcome adversity and maintain a high level of performance is a testament to her unwavering dedication to the sport. Alex Morgan's journey from a passionate young soccer player in California to an international soccer icon is a story of perseverance, skill, and determination. With numerous accolades to her name and a legacy that continues to grow, Morgan remains an inspiration to aspiring athletes worldwide.

Winning and losing isn't everything; sometimes, the journey is just as important as the outcome.

Signature

Career

Last updated: Dec 24' 2023
Club

California Storm

  • 2010
  • Total Appearances: 3
  • Goals Scored: 5
Club

Pali Blues SC

  • 2010
  • Total Appearances: 3
  • Goals Scored: 1
Club

Western New York Flash

  • 2011
  • Total Appearances: 13
  • Goals Scored: 4
Club

Seattle Sounders Women

  • 2012
  • Total Appearances: 3
  • Goals Scored: 2
Club

Portland Thorns

  • 2013–2015
  • Total Appearances: 36
  • Goals Scored: 15
Club

Orlando Pride

  • 2016
  • Total Appearances: 15
  • Goals Scored: 4
Club

Lyon

  • 2017
  • Total Appearances: 8
  • Goals Scored: 5
Club

Orlando Pride

  • 2017–2020
  • Total Appearances: 38
  • Goals Scored: 14
Club

Tottenham Hotspur

  • 2020
  • Total Appearances: 4
  • Goals Scored: 2
Club

Orlando Pride

  • 2021
  • Total Appearances: 13
  • Goals Scored: 5
Club

San Diego Wave

  • 2022–Present
  • Total Appearances: 35
  • Goals Scored: 22
Club

USA National Soccer Team

  • 2010–Present
  • Total Appearances: 215
  • Goals Scored: 121

Achievements

Western New York Flash

  • 1x WPS Championship: 2011

Portland Thorns

  • 1x NWSL Championship: 2013

Lyon

  • 1x Division 1 Féminine: 2016–17
  • 1x Coupe de France Féminine: 2016–17
  • 1x UEFA Women's Champions League: 2016–17

San Diego Wave

  • 1x NWSL Shield: 2023

USA U20

  • 1x FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup: 2008
  • 1x CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship runner-up: 2008

USA

  • 2x FIFA Women's World Cup: 2015, 2019
  • 1x Olympic Gold Medal: 2012
  • 1x Olympic Bronze Medal: 2020
  • 3x CONCACAF Women's Championship: 2014, 2018, 2022
  • 2x CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament: 2012, 2016
  • 5x SheBelieves Cup: 2016, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023
  • 3x Algarve Cup: 2011, 2013, 2015
  • 1x Four Nations Tournament: 2011

Individual

  • 1x FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Silver Ball: 2008
  • 1x FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Bronze Boot: 2008
  • 1x FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup All-Star Team: 2008
  • 1x ESPY Award Best Female Athlete: 2019
  • 1x ESPY Award Best Breakthrough Athlete nominee: 2012
  • 1x ESPY Award Best Moment nominee: 2013
  • 2x ESPY Award Best Team: 2015, 2019
  • 2x Women's Sports Foundation Sportswoman of the Year, Team Sport: 2012
  • 2x U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year: 2012, 2018
  • 1x FIFA World Player of the Year finalist: 2012
  • 2x The Best FIFA Women's Player: 2019 (finalist), 2022 (finalist)
  • 2x National Women's Soccer League Second Best XI: 2013, 2017
  • 4x CONCACAF Player of the Year: 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018
  • 1x USWNT All-Time Best XI: 2013
  • 1x SheBelieves Cup Golden Boot and Golden Ball: 2016
  • 5x FIFA FIFPRO Women's World 11: 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022
  • 1x CONCACAF Women's Championship Golden Boot: 2018
  • 4x IFFHS Women's World Team: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022
  • 1x IFFHS World's Woman Team of the Decade 2011–2020
  • 1x IFFHS CONCACAF Woman Team of the Decade 2011–2020
  • 1x FIFA Women's World Cup Silver Boot: 2019
  • 1x CONCACAF Women's Championship Golden Ball: 2022
  • 1x CONCACAF Women's Championship Best XI: 2022
  • 1x NWSL Golden Boot: 2022
  • 1x NWSL Best XI: 2022

8lete Recommendations

rect

Celebrating

Kean

Featured 8lete
sport
Football
May 08' 2025

Celebrating Talent & Perseverance Bioty Moise Kean.

Born on February 28, 2000, in Vercelli, Italy, Bioty Moise Kean grew up in difficult circumstances. His parents were immigrants from Ivory Coast—his mother Isabelle left his father early in Moise’s childhood, raising him and his brothers alone. The family struggled with finances, often relying on social services and temporary shelters to get by. Yet amidst the uncertainty, young Kean developed a passion for football that would become his refuge. Isabelle, a woman of fierce resilience, did everything she could to support her son’s dream. Even when there was no money for football boots or travel expenses, she stood behind Moise’s aspirations. Her sacrifices became the emotional bedrock of his ambition. She would walk him to training, work multiple jobs, and constantly remind him, “Your legs will carry you far.” Moise’s talent was undeniable. At just 10 years old, he joined Torino’s youth academy, and soon after, Juventus recognized his raw power and potential. He became the youngest player to debut for Juve in Serie A at age 16. But rapid success came with unique pressures—racial abuse, media scrutiny, and immense expectations weighed heavily on his young shoulders. One of the lowest moments of Kean’s career came in 2019 while playing for Juventus against Cagliari. After scoring, he was subjected to racist chants from sections of the crowd. When he calmly raised his arms in response, he was criticized by some—including then teammate Leonardo Bonucci. But Moise didn’t break. He responded with dignity, gaining global support from fans, players, and anti-racism advocates. This episode became a turning point in his maturity and resolve. Throughout his career, Kean has been fortunate to have key mentors. At Juventus, Gianluigi Buffon often acted as a guardian figure, reminding him of professionalism and composure. At Paris Saint-Germain, where he went on loan, Neymar and Mbappé welcomed him warmly, helping him regain confidence after a turbulent period at Everton. Their belief in him made a crucial difference. Representing Italy at youth and senior levels, Moise Kean felt both pressure and pride. He became the first player born in the 2000s to score for Italy. He carries not just his own aspirations, but the hope of a more diverse and inclusive Azzurri. His presence is a symbol of a new Italy—talented, resilient, and multicultural. Kean’s career hasn’t been without stumbles. Disciplinary issues and inconsistent form saw him criticized by clubs and fans. But recent seasons show a more focused player. He has publicly acknowledged his past mistakes and sought support from psychologists and mentors. His evolution is ongoing, and it’s driven by the desire to make his family and country proud. After spells in England and France, Kean returned to Juventus with renewed determination. The 2023–24 season saw him score crucial goals, regaining his spot in the squad and becoming a reliable forward. His fitness, mindset, and tactical intelligence have improved. He’s no longer the hot prospect—he’s now the experienced young leader. Today, Moise Kean uses his platform to inspire young athletes from underrepresented backgrounds. He regularly speaks about the importance of mental strength, education, and resilience. In a world where many gifted players are left behind due to circumstance, Kean stands as proof that talent + perseverance = destiny. Moise Kean’s story isn’t finished—it’s still unfolding. But his journey so far is a masterclass in bouncing back. He reminds us that even when your beginnings are humble and your path is rough, with the right guidance, grit, and belief, you can become the person the world never saw coming.

rect

Celebrating

Lookman

Featured 8lete
sport
Football
May 07' 2025

Celebrating Faith & Resilience Ademola Lookman.

Born on October 20, 1997, in Wandsworth, London, Ademola Olajade Alade Aylola Lookman was the child of Nigerian parents who moved to the UK in search of a better life. Raised in a modest household, his parents instilled in him a deep respect for education, discipline, and perseverance. But for Lookman, football was more than just a game—it was a lifeline. As a child, Lookman would juggle his schoolbooks and a football, sometimes practicing alone at local parks when academies overlooked him. His early teenage years were filled with rejection. Many top football academies in England didn’t see the "it" factor in him. The rejections could have broken him, but Lookman kept going—fuelled by sheer belief and an unwavering work ethic. His break came at Charlton Athletic, a club that took a chance on him when he was just 16. He balanced football and studies, earning excellent academic results while training intensely. Charlton's coaches were amazed at his pace, technical control, and hunger. This period marked his first step away from obscurity. By 2015, his senior debut at Charlton was turning heads. Everton came calling in 2017, signing him for a reported £11 million. The move was exciting, but with it came immense pressure. He faced inconsistent game time and had to prove himself again—especially in a system that didn’t always play to his strengths. Lookman’s time at Everton was a mental battle. But he didn’t isolate himself. Support came in the form of mentors, including senior teammates and coaches who urged him to explore loan moves for experience. That led to RB Leipzig, where he impressed instantly—scoring a debut winner and regaining his confidence. Switching national allegiances to Nigeria in 2022 was a turning point. Though born in England, Lookman proudly embraced his roots. He found a deeper sense of purpose wearing the green and white jersey. With the Nigerian team, he played not just for glory, but for identity, family, and the dreams of young African children. In 2023–24, playing for Atalanta in Serie A, Lookman began to shine consistently. His recent UEFA Europa League final heroics in May 2024, where he scored a historic hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen, stunned the world. It was the first-ever hat-trick in a Europa League final, making Lookman a continental icon overnight. Despite the fame, Lookman remains grounded. He credits his parents, youth coaches at Charlton, and mentors across Europe for his evolution. From playing street football in South London to becoming a symbol of hope for two nations—his is a story of resilience, faith, and grit. Today, Ademola Lookman is more than a player—he’s a beacon for every young athlete who’s ever been doubted, every immigrant family that started from scratch, and every child with a dream too big for their circumstances.

rect

Celebrating

Guti

Featured 8lete
sport
Football
Apr 28' 2025

Celebrating Loyalty & Elegance José María Gutiérrez Hernández.

Born on October 31, 1976, in Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, José María Gutiérrez Hernández, fondly known as Guti, was a child destined to leave a unique mark on Spanish football. Raised by humble parents who deeply valued hard work and discipline, Guti’s upbringing was grounded in modesty, far away from the glamour he would one day experience. From an early age, Guti showed an effortless flair for football. But his path wasn’t as smooth as many imagine. Initially, he was part of Real Madrid's youth system as a striker. However, competition was fierce, and doubts about his consistency began to surface. Coaches worried that he lacked the killer instinct of a traditional forward, raising questions about whether he could survive in the brutal world of professional football. The emotional toll was heavy. Many times, Guti thought of giving up, feeling overshadowed by more aggressive, physically imposing players. However, two crucial pillars helped him stand firm — his parents’ unwavering belief and the guidance of academy coaches who saw a different light in him. They encouraged him to reimagine his role, shifting from striker to attacking midfielder — a decision that would later define his legendary vision and creativity. Adapting wasn't easy. Guti struggled to balance his natural instincts with tactical demands. Yet, he worked tirelessly behind the scenes, refining his passing, positioning, and leadership. Legends like Vicente del Bosque and later Vicente Del Bosque (again during his coaching days) played instrumental roles in nurturing his self-belief, often reminding Guti that football isn’t just about power — it’s about intelligence, subtlety, and heart. When Guti finally broke into Real Madrid’s first team in the mid-1990s, he became a vital figure in the club’s most successful eras, winning numerous La Liga titles and UEFA Champions League trophies. His elegant through balls, audacious assists, and effortless style mesmerized fans worldwide. Despite often being in the shadows of bigger stars like Zidane and Raúl, true connoisseurs of the game knew that Guti was the silent engine that made the team flow. Yet, battles off the pitch persisted. Guti faced criticism for perceived inconsistency and occasional lapses in discipline. His journey serves as a reminder that success is rarely linear. Guti’s ability to reinvent himself — sometimes playing deep in midfield, sometimes as an emergency forward — showcased not just versatility, but a quiet resilience that earned deep respect in the footballing world. After an illustrious 15-year career with Real Madrid, Guti spent a brief but impactful time at Turkish side Beşiktaş before retiring. His leadership and passing artistry left an indelible impact wherever he played. Retirement didn't mean stepping away from the game — Guti transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant manager at Besiktas and later taking managerial roles, including a stint with Almería in Spain’s Segunda División. In recent years, Guti has embraced a quieter life but remains deeply connected to football, often sharing insights through media and mentoring young talents. His story continues to inspire — showing that even without the loudest voice or the most headline-grabbing moves, a player can leave a legacy through elegance, loyalty, and unshakable belief. Guti’s life reminds us that struggles aren’t signs to stop — they are signals to adapt. With the support of his family, the wisdom of mentors, and an internal fire to express himself uniquely, José María Gutiérrez Hernández carved a place in history not by force, but by finesse.

Subscribe to our news letter to get latest updates and news

Our mission is to celebrate Athletes who redefine the limits of human potential, their dedication and excellence inspire us all.
Logo