American soccer star Megan Rapinoe has announced her retirement from women’s soccer at the age of 38. The World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist made the announcement on Saturday, revealing that she will be retiring from the National Women’s Soccer League after her final season with the OL Reign.
In a statement, Rapinoe expressed her gratitude for her long and successful career. 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, she said.
Rapinoe took to Twitter to share her thoughts and posted a picture of her younger self. Reflecting on her journey, she wrote, 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.
The athlete began her professional soccer career in 2006 and quickly became one of the most legendary athletes in U.S. women’s soccer. Her skill and talent played an essential role in leading the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team to victory in the World Cup. In her 199 international appearances, the team had an impressive 86% winning percentage. By the time she retires, Rapinoe will join a select group of only 14 players in U.S. history to represent the country on the world stage for 200 appearances.
In 2019, Rapinoe made headlines for leading the U.S. team to their fourth World Cup title while advocating for equal pay for female soccer athletes. She also used her platform to openly oppose the policies of then-President Donald Trump and advocate for progressive issues such as LGBTQ rights.
Rapinoe’s contributions to the sport have not gone unnoticed. She was awarded the President Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden, making her the first soccer player and sixth female athlete to receive this prestigious honor.
As Rapinoe prepares to bid farewell to professional soccer, she leaves behind a legacy of excellence and activism. Her impact on the sport will be remembered for generations to come.
