Megan Rapinoe, the legendary American soccer star and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, has announced her retirement from professional soccer. The 38-year-old athlete revealed her decision at a news briefing, stating that this season would be her last in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and her final Women’s World Cup.
Rapinoe expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent her country and acknowledged the support she has received throughout her career. Known for her contributions to LGBTQ+ equality and gender equality in sports, Rapinoe has been a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team since 2006, winning two World Cup championships and two Olympic medals.
Off the field, Rapinoe has been a prominent voice for change. In 2016, she and four other members of the U.S. Women’s National Team filed a complaint against the U.S. Soccer Federation, alleging gender discrimination. The lawsuit led to a settlement in 2019, securing equal pay for men and women in exhibition games and tournaments.
Rapinoe’s impact reaches beyond her athletic achievements. She has been recognized for her activism, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, racial equality, voter rights, and gender and pay equity. In 2012, she came out as gay and has since been an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
President Joe Biden awarded Rapinoe the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022, making her the first soccer player to receive this prestigious honor and one of only six female athletes or coaches to be recognized.
As Rapinoe enters the final phase of her career, she will continue to inspire her teammates and fans. Her leadership and experience will be invaluable as the U.S. Women’s National Team prepares for the upcoming Women’s World Cup, especially with a relatively young roster.
Megan Rapinoe’s retirement marks the end of an era in women’s soccer. Her impact on and off the field has been profound, and she will be remembered as one of the most important players in the history of the sport. As she steps away from professional soccer, Rapinoe’s legacy of fighting for equality and using her platform for good will continue to inspire future generations.
Sources:
- Alsharif, M. (2023, July 8). U.S. women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe announces retirement. [Video]. NBC News.
- Macur, J. & Fahy, C. (2023, July 9). Megan Rapinoe Announces Retirement After World Cup, NWSL Season. The New York Times.
- Singh, S. (2023, July 9). Soccer legend Megan Rapinoe announces she will retire after 2023 season. CBS News.
- Image Credit: Lorie Shaull, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
