Alex Morgan Wears Bodypaint In Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition

Alex Morgan, one of the biggest soccer stars in the United States, wears body-paint for an upcoming spread in Sports Illustrated's swimsuit edition. The 22-year-old, who currently plays for Western New York Flash, was the youngest player on the USA's roster for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Speaking to the magazine about her initial hesitation at posing in body-paint, Morgan said, "I was a little nervous, but this opportunity doesn't come everyday. I wanted to involve my family with my decision and it helped that they were very supportive". The soccer star said after eventually getting over the nerves, she was "excited" to start shooting and was honored to be appearing alongside other athletes and models. When cheekily asked which male sporting star she'd most like to see in body-paint, Morgan replied, "I watch a lot of sports, so I'd say some athletes like Rafael Nadal, Blake Griffin, or C.J. Wilson would be great candidates for Swimsuit" Seemingly breaking the rules of the question, Morgan jokingly added, "But I also have to add Ryan Gosling after seeing all the movies he was in this past year".

Though the cover star for Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Edition is closely guarded secret - it is assumed that model Kate Upton will clinch the prestigious spot in this year's issue.