Irrespective of how Megan Rapinoe performs at the upcoming Women’s World Cup, she will be remembered as one of the icons in the world of sports.
The blue-haired diminutive forward, who turned 38 this month, has decided to hang up her cleats after the ongoing NWSL season – bringing an end to a glittering career in which she helped the U.S. win two World Cup titles so far, and the Olympic gold medal at the 2012 London Games.
At her fourth World Cup appearance in Australia and New Zealand, the OL Reign player will be aiming for her 200th cap for the USWNT. While she was the hero in their 2019 title-winning campaign, her minutes are likely to be limited this time.
“To be able to play one last World Cup and one last NWSL season and go out on my own terms is incredibly special,” Rapinoe told a press conference last week in her home state of California. “I’ve been able to have such an incredible career, and this game has brought me all over the world and allowed me to meet so many amazing people.
“I feel incredibly grateful to have played as long as I have, to be as successful as we’ve been, and to have been a part of a generation of players who undoubtedly left the game better than they found it.”
A menace on the field, Rapinoe is popularly known for her creative goal-scoring and standout performance in the some of the biggest matches of her career.
With 63 career goals and 73 assists, the 2019 Ballon d’Or winner’s crafty style of play is eye-catching, just as her choice of funky hair color.
As she leaves the game as one of the most impactful athletes in the U.S., Rapinoe will also be remembered for her activism off the pitch – be it becoming a leading advocate for gender pay equity in her national team’s legal dispute with their own federation or using her voice for social issues such as racial inequality and voter rights.
“Megan Rapinoe is one of the most important players in women’s soccer history and a personality like no other,” said U.S. head coach Vlatko Andonovski. “She has produced so many memorable moments for her team and the fans on the field that will be remembered for a very long time, but her impact on people as a human being may be even more important.”
Rapinoe publicly came out as gay in 2012 and has since been an outspoken advocate. In 2019, she became the first openly gay woman in the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
In 2016, Rapinoe garnered national attention when she became the first white athlete and first female to kneel during the national anthem in solidarity with football player Colin Kaepernick.
“Being a gay American, I know what it means to look at the flag and not have it protect all of your liberties. It was something small that I could do and something that I plan to keep doing in the future and hopefully spark some meaningful conversation around it,” Rapinoe said at the time.
Last year, Rapinoe became the first soccer player to ever receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest U.S. civilian award given to those who make an “especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”
Rapinoe is now gearing up for her final World Cup appearance, hoping to help the U.S. achieve the “three-peat” and while her role could be limited, her importance as a leader of the team and experienced player cannot be underestimated.
Her contributions on and off the field will ensure she leaves a legacy of greatness.
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