USWNT legend, Megan Rapinoe’s illustrious career with the US women’s national team is reaching its grand conclusion, set for September 24, when the USWNT squad takes on Colombia at the iconic Soldier Field. This game is not just a regular fixture; it’s a historic moment in the world of women’s football.
To add an extra layer of significance to this fixture, Rapinoe will be honored before kick-off. This ceremony is a tribute not only to the match itself but to her incredible journey that has spanned years of dedication, and determination. It’s a celebration of her reaching a remarkable milestone in her career: her 200th cap. She achieved this momentous feat on July 9 against Wales in San Jose, California.
Megan Rapinoe’s decision to retire from professional football at the end of the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season was met with a mix of emotions from fans.
Megan Rapinoe’s journey included participating in her fourth and final World Cup with the US women’s national team, where she showcased her leadership on the world stage.
Now, as she prepares to bid farewell, Megan Rapinoe will do so with the same passion and determination that have defined her career. She’s committed to finishing the second half of the NWSL campaign with the same flair and finesse that have made her a household name.
“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. To be able to play one last World Cup and one last NWSL season and go out on my own terms is incredibly special,”
“I want to thank my family for being by my side all these years. Thanks to all my teammates and coaches all the way back to my first days in Redding, on to college at the University of Portland and of course thanks to U.S. Soccer, the Seattle Reign and especially Sue, for everything. I will forever cherish the friendships and support over the years in this game, and I am beyond excited for one last ride with the National Team and the Reign.”
Megan Raphinoe
Rapinoe started her football journey back in 2009 when she was chosen as the second overall pick in the Women’s Professional Soccer draft, joining the ranks of the Chicago Red Stars. However, her career wasn’t limited to one club.
She also played for Sydney FC, the Seattle Sounders women’s team, Olympique Lyonnais, and OL Reign. Over the course of her club career, she scored 66 goals in 188 appearances. Her club experiences laid the foundation for an exceptional international career that would soon follow.
From the moment she debuted in 2006 during a friendly match against Ireland, Rapinoe became a fixture in the US Women’s National Team (USWNT). Her impact on the team’s performance was undeniable, exemplified by her pivotal role in securing the gold medal for the United States in the 2012 London Olympics. This was just the beginning of her international triumphs.
Rapinoe’s legacy continued to soar as she played a crucial role in back-to-back World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019, leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s history. Her contributions on the field are reflected in her impressive stats, boasting 63 goals and 73 assists since her debut.
However, Rapinoe’s influence transcends the football pitch. She has been a driving force for change, using her platform to champion the cause of equal pay and equal rights for players around the world.
