Pride M Morgan Gautrat retires from NWSL, joins Newcastle

Midfielder Morgan Gautrat announced her retirement from NWSL play on Monday, according to the league.

The longtime U.S. Women's National Team member will spend the rest of the 2025 season with Newcastle United on loan from the Orlando Pride.

"I'm at a point in my career where I want to be a leader and want to be a part of making a mark and a legacy at a place like this at Newcastle to make history," Gautrat said, per ESPN.

Gautrat, 32, helped Orlando win the NWSL Shield and league championship last season.

"We understand and fully support Morgan's decision as she moves into this next chapter," said Pride sporting director Haley Carter. "While we're sad to see her go, we respect her choice to pursue opportunities that align with her personal goals and wish her and her family nothing but success in their future endeavors. Morgan will always be part of our family, and we're grateful for everything she's brought to our club."

Gautrat won World Cup championships with the USWNT in 2015 and 2019, earning the most recent of her 88 caps in 2022.

She was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NWSL draft by the Houston Dash and has also played in the league with the Chicago Red Stars (2017-22) and Kansas City Current (2023). She played for France's OL Lyonnes in 2018.

"We are absolutely delighted to be adding a player of Morgan's quality and experience to our squad," Newcastle manager Becky Langley said.

"She has performed at the highest level for her whole career and brings with her a world class mentality having won some of the biggest trophies in the game for both club and country.

"Morgan is a leader, and she will bring so much on and off the pitch for us. We are excited to start working with her."

--Field Level Media