Megan Rapinoe Bid Farewell to Soccer with a Triumphant Final Victory
Megan Rapinoe, the iconic soccer star, ended her illustrious career on a high note as the United States defeated South Africa with a 2-0 victory in her final match. The match wasn’t just a farewell for Rapinoe, but also a celebration of her incredible achievements.
Prior to the game, Rapinoe was presented with a framed jersey commemorating her 203 appearances for the United States. As the crowd cheered, she raised her arms in appreciation. The game got off to a fantastic start when Trinity Rodman scored in the 18th minute, assisted by Alex Morgan. Rapinoe, ever the team player, was the first to congratulate Rodman on the goal.
Emily Sonnett extended the lead to 2-0 with a header in the 49th minute, rushing into Rapinoe’s arms to celebrate. Although Rapinoe came close to scoring herself, narrowly missing a free kick, it didn’t diminish the significance of her final game. In the 54th minute, she left the field for the last time, greeted by a standing ovation from the crowd. She expressed her gratitude by kissing and hugging her teammates, blowing a kiss to the spectators, and taking a bow.
Rapinoe’s decision to retire wasn’t a surprise, as she had announced it in July. Her extraordinary career included two World Cup championships, as well as gold and bronze medals in the Olympics. Throughout her journey, she had a significant impact both on and off the pitch.
Beyond her exceptional performance on the field, Rapinoe used her platform to advocate for causes close to her heart. She fought for equal pay and social justice, leaving an indelible mark on the soccer world and beyond. Her emotional displays in recent weeks further highlighted her passion for the game. After the United States’ loss to Sweden in the Women’s World Cup, she openly expressed her emotions, knowing it would be her final tournament with the national team. Her final rivalry match between OL Reign and the Portland Thorns also evoked strong feelings.
While Rapinoe’s international career may be coming to an end, she still has a few more regular-season games remaining for the Reign. She will have the opportunity for one last farewell match in Seattle on October 6, where local fans can bid her a proper goodbye. Her impact as a player cannot be overstated. With 63 goals to her name, including two scored directly from corner kicks at the Olympics, Rapinoe established herself as one of the best in the game. Her outstanding performance at the 2019 World Cup in France, where she netted six goals and earned the Golden Ball as the top player, solidified her legacy.
However, Rapinoe’s impact extended far beyond her sporting achievements. She has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ rights since publicly coming out in 2012. In 2020, she got engaged to basketball star Sue Bird, further exemplifying her commitment to LGBTQ issues. She has also actively fought for racial equity, showing solidarity with Colin Kaepernick by kneeling during the national anthem. Her actions prompted a response from U.S. Soccer, leading to the rescission of a rule that required players to stand for anthems in 2021.
Megan Rapinoe’s contributions to the world of soccer and societal causes will not be forgotten. In recognition of her achievements, President Joe Biden awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, making her the first soccer player to receive this prestigious honor. As Rapinoe bids farewell to the game, her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
