Megan Rapinoe: Changing the Game On and Off the Field
The news that shook the soccer world earlier this month was the announcement that Megan Rapinoe would retire from the professional sport at the end of this season. While some players choose to make their retirement announcement once the season ends, Rapinoe unveiled her plans in her own bold fashion.
As one of the most decorated players to ever have played, Rapinoe has become a household name thanks to her many accomplishments. She will leave the sport with a list of achievements that will follow her for years to come. Let’s take a look at the legacy Rapinoe will leave in the sport.
World Cup Milestone
Just days away from the Women’s World Cup, Rapinoe is set to play in her fourth and final appearance in the major tournament. She heads in with 199 appearances and ranks as a top ten USWNT player for both assists and goals. She will hit the 200 mark by playing just once this World Cup, adding yet another memento to celebrate before retirement.
Pre-professional Days
Though, Megan Rapinoe’s legacy as an impactful player began well before her professional playing days. She played youth club soccer for Elk Grove United and helped lead the team to a second-place finish at the U-19 National Championship in 2003. That year, the club also ranked number one nationally.
Rapinoe continued from there to play collegiately for the University of Portland. Although she missed her first season to play with the USYNT U-19 team, she quickly made up for it the following season and was named Freshman of the Year by the WCC and Soccer Times. During her time with the Pilots, she suffered two ACL injuries which she overcame to help lead her team to win an NCAA Championship.
NWSL and Professional Career
She had spent her entire NWSL career with the OL Reign, formerly Seattle Reign when she joined the club. The 11-year veteran player has been and continues to be a staple player for the team. She has won 3 NWSL shields and was named to the NWSL Best XI during her overall time with the club.
Her professional club accomplishments go beyond the NWSL. In her brief time with the French club Lyon, Rapinoe helped the team win a French League title and Coupe de France.
Leaving a Mark on the International Stage
Megan Rapinoe was a force to be reckoned with in her last Women’s World Cup appearance in 2019. She was awarded the Golden Boot for being the top scorer with six goals and won the Golden Ball for being the best player.
Overall, Rapinoe had an impressive year in 2019, additionally winning the Ballon d’Or and Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year. She is one of the most well-known players ever to have represented the USWNT, having played in three Olympics and serving as captain for 15 matches.
Off-the-Field Impact
Rapinoe’s off-the-field achievements are equally as impressive as those on-field. She has used her platform to offer her outspoken support for improving social issues, such as racial inequality and voter rights. This made her one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2020.
TIME’s new cover: Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) won’t go quietly https://t.co/DBOGKy8m43 pic.twitter.com/ALBVdtfSxt
— TIME (@TIME) July 10, 2023
She has also been a massive advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and gender and pay equity, and she now graces the cover of Time Magazine for the month of July because of it.
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Her consistent work for social justice also earned her a trip to the White House in 2022 to be honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She is the first soccer player ever to receive the award and is only one of six female athletes or coaches to have been given the honor.
The USWNT and NWSL legend will truly leave behind a legacy that goes beyond the pitch. While we will miss seeing Megan Rapinoe play, the good news is we still can see her in action in this Women’s World Cup!
Featured image by Daniel Gray
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