Without Alex Morgan who can be the flag bearer for the USWNT at the Paris Olympics?

The US women's national football team was recently announced for Paris Olympics 2024. However, one exclusion surprised many : that of Alex Morgan. The two time Olympic medalist has been excluded from the current squad of 18 members, as announced by team manager Emma Hayes.

For Emma Hayes, this was a tough decision, given the laurels Alex Morgan had brought for USA. Yet, a change of guard was necessary, given that the American team hadn't won an Olympic gold medal for more than decade.

To quote an excerpt from Emma Hayes's statement,

"It was not easy making a decision. There are 16 outfield players and 2 goalkeepers on a roster of 18. It was a tough decision, especially considering Alex's record and history with this team. I felt wanted to go in another direction and selected other players." [via USAToday]

Morgan herself posted how she felt on her X account as follows:

"Today, I'm disappointed about not having the opportunity to represent our country on the Olympic stage. This will always be a tournament that is close to my heart and I take immense pride anytime I put on the crest.

In less than a month, I look forward to supporting this team and cheering them on alongside the rest of this country." [via X]

Who can lead Team USA after Alex Morgan at Paris 2024?

Alex Morgan is not the only one to suffer such misfortune. After a disappointing show at the women's FIFA World Cup held in 2023, team manager Emma Hayes has decided for a complete transformation. This is why only eight players, who were a part of the bronze medal winning Team USA from the Tokyo Olympics, have managed to make it to the squad.

But the question remains : who will lead Team USA in the absence of Alex Morgan at Paris 2024? Here are a couple of players who could lead the side when they start their Olympic campaign against Zambia:

#1) Alyssa Naeher:

Alyssa Naeher, a strong contender to lead the side [Image Source: Getty Images]

With more than 100 international caps, the 36-year-old goalkeeper from Connecticut is a potential candidate for the position of skipper. Naeher is only next to Alex Morgan in terms of experience, and she was also a part of the FIFA World Cup winning squad from 2019, as well as the Olympic bronze medallist squad of USA from Tokyo Olympics 2020.

#2) Lindsey Horan:

Lindsey Horan, one of the most prolific strikers of Team USA [Image Source: Getty Images]

Another strong contender to lead the American side after Alex Morgan at Paris Olympics could be Lindsey Horan. Unlike Alyssa Naeher, Lindsey Horan is younger, as well as more active, being one of the team's main midfielders. The 29-year-old was also an important part of the American team, that won the FIFA World Cup 2019, as well as the bronze medal at Tokyo Olympics.

Goalkeepers: Casey Murphy, Alyssa Naeher

Defenders: Tierna Davidson, Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, Casey Krueger, Jenna Nighswonger, Emily Sonnett

Midfielders: Korbin Albert, Sam Coffey, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Catarina Macario

Strikers: Crystal Dunn, Trinity Rodman, Jaedyn Shaw, Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson