Alex Morgan Recalls Harsh Reality When Mental Health Break Cost Her USWNT Return: “I Wasn’t Invited Back”

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

“That just didn’t exist a couple of years ago,” Morgan told ESPN, pointing to the new policy that now allows players to take paid mental health leave — something several NWSL players have already used this year. “I attempted to do that with the national team and then I was not called back in for six or seven months because of it, because of raising my hand and saying I need a break, I just had a baby, and I need to step away for this next camp. And then I wasn’t invited back for six or seven months.”

“Players now can do that without repercussion. Everyone needs a break at some point or another, whether it’s in their second year or 15th year playing soccer, playing sports, in their job. The ability to be able to do that is something that’s new and I feel like I’ve advocated for players to be able to be able to be the driving force of this league.”

(This is a developing story…)