Electronic Arts has announced today that Alex Morgan, forward on the championship-winning U.S. Women's National Team, will grace of the cover of this year's FIFA 16. In doing so, she will become the first female to star on the cover of the award-winning franchise; although Christine Sinclair from the Canadian national team and Stephanie Catley of the Australian national team will also grace the cover of a FIFA title in their respective markets.
Morgan's appearance on the cover couldn't come at a better time, as FIFA 16 will be the first time women's national teams are included in the game. But her inclusion on the cover has nothing to do with her gender, and all to do with her championship pedigree.
"Although only 26 years-old, Alex has quite the pedigree. Since joining the national team in 2010, she has made 91 appearances with 52 goals, EA wrote. "In addition to her recent World Cup medal, she won gold at the 2012 London Olympics, was 2012 US Soccer athlete of the year and a finalist for FIFA World Player of the Year."
"It is an incredible honor to be one of the first women featured on the cover of EA Sports FIFA," Morgan said of the accomplishment. "I know people all over the world play this game and I'm really excited that FIFA 16 is putting such an important spotlight on women's soccer. And now to share the cover with today's greatest player is surreal."
As Morgan mentioned, she will share the cover with FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi, as will Christine Sinclair.
Not only was this a long time coming, but something many soccer fans wanted to see done with FIFA 16, especially in light of the U.S. Women's National Team's great accomplishment.
FIFA 16 will be available on September 22, 2016 on PC, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, and PS3.
