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US Soccer Star Megan Rapinoe, Who Broke Barriers, Retires - From Trump Foe to Biden Buddy

By Jake Beardslee · July 11, 2023

In brief…

  • American soccer star Megan Rapinoe has announced her retirement from professional soccer, marking the end of a 17-year career during which she became an influential figure in the sport and a leading voice for LGBTQ rights, equal pay, and racial equality.
  • Rapinoe's achievements include winning an Olympic gold medal at the London 2012 games and leading the US to victory in the World Cup in France in 2019.
  • She also sparked widespread debate when she took a knee during the national anthem in 2016 to protest against police brutality and racial injustice.
  • Despite controversies, including a public feud Donald Trump, Rapinoe was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Biden.
  • She will play for the US team in the upcoming World Cup starting on July 20th in Australia and New Zealand.
American soccer star Megan Rapinoe, known for her influential career in the sport and advocacy for LGBTQ rights, equal pay, and racial equality, has announced her retirement, leaving behind a legacy of athletic achievements and social activism.  Jamie Smed, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

American soccer star Megan Rapinoe has announced her retirement from professional soccer, marking the end of an illustrious career that has seen her become one of the most influential figures in the sport. The 38-year-old winger, who plays for the National Women’s Soccer League’s Seattle team, made the announcement Saturday at a news conference, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to represent her country.

“I feel so honored to be able to have represented this country and this federation for so many years. It’s truly been the greatest thing that I’ve ever done, something I’m so grateful for,” Rapinoe said.

Rapinoe’s career spans 17 years, during which she earned 199 caps playing for the US. She also won an Olympic gold medal at the London 2012 games. Her crowning achievement came in 2019 when she led the US to victory in the World Cup in France, earning the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards for best FIFA women’s player.

Rapinoe also announced her retirement on Twitter, stating, “It is with a deep sense of peace & gratitude that I have decided this will be my final season playing this beautiful game. I never could have imagined the ways in which soccer would shape & change my life forever, but by the look on this little girl’s face, she knew all along.”

Rapinoe’s influence extends beyond the soccer field. Since coming out as gay in 2012, she has been a leading voice in the fight for LGBTQ rights, equal pay, and racial equality. In 2016, she took a knee during the national anthem to protest against police brutality and racial injustice in the US, sparking widespread debate.

Her outspokenness has led to clashes with political figures, most notably former President Donald Trump. A video of her refusing to visit the White House after her World Cup win circulated on social media in 2019, igniting a feud with Trump. In the video clip, Rapinoe stated, “I’m not going to the fucking White House. No, I’m not going to the White House. We’re not going to be invited.”

President Biden has an altogether view of Rapinoe, awarding the star with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the US.

As she prepares to hang up her cleats, Rapinoe will remain a key player for the US team in the upcoming World Cup starting on July 20th in Australia and New Zealand.