Megan Rapinoe Announces Retirement Following 4th World Cup and NWSL Season

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Megan Rapinoe, a prominent figure in U.S. women’s soccer, has declared her plans to retire after a distinguished career. Her achievements include winning an Olympic gold medal, two World Cups, and a consistent record of leveraging her influence to address social matters.

On Saturday, 38-year-old Rapinoe revealed that her upcoming fourth World Cup will be her final appearance, and she will conclude her career with the OL Reign when the National Women’s Soccer League season ends.

She publicized her decision on Twitter, expressing that soccer had unexpectedly but profoundly shaped and altered her life.

In other news, the Presidents of Brazil and Colombia are holding meetings to enhance cooperation before the Amazon summit. Israel’s far-right government is facing growing protests due to its judicial reform plans. A solar storm anticipated next week might make the Northern Lights observable in 17 states. Lastly, a crowd invaded the Tbilisi Pride Fest site, causing the cancellation of the event.

Rapinoe shared her retirement decision with a deep sense of serenity and appreciation, noting, “This will be my final season playing this beautiful game.”

Rapinoe, alongside the U.S. team, is aiming for a third consecutive title at the Women’s World Cup that commences on July 20 in Australia and New Zealand. Prior to departing for the World Cup, the U.S. is set to play Wales in a final warm-up match on Sunday in San Jose, California.

Rapinoe acknowledged the transformative impact of her career in a press statement, “This game has taken me across the world, and allowed me to encounter so many remarkable individuals. The opportunity to participate in one last World Cup and NWSL season and conclude my career on my own terms is incredibly special.”

During the 2019 World Cup in France, Rapinoe contributed six goals, including a decisive penalty in a 2-0 triumph over the Netherlands in the final. In addition, she bagged the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards for the best overall player, along with the Ballon d’Or and the Best FIFA Women’s Player awards in 2019.

Rapinoe is currently on par with Abby Wambach for third all-time in assists for the U.S. Women’s National Team. She is one of the seven players in the team history who achieved more than 50 career goals and assists. She began her tenure with the U.S. senior team in 2006.

In her 11-year NWSL career with the Reign, Rapinoe has netted the sixth-highest goals in the league history, with a total of 48.

Rapinoe, a fervent advocate for pay equity in women’s soccer and LGBTQ+ rights, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor, by President Joe Biden last year.

Rapinoe was the first white and female athlete to kneel during the national anthem, a gesture she made in solidarity with former NFL player Colin Kaepernick.

She is set to marry women’s basketball legend Sue Bird.

Her significant contributions to her team and fans are well-remembered, but U.S. women’s team coach Vlatko Andonovski believes her influence as a person may be even more significant.

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More about Megan Rapinoe Retirement

• Megan Rapinoe’s Twitter Announcement
• Megan Rapinoe’s Career Highlights
• OL Reign Team Profile
• Information about the Presidential Medal of Freedom
• Details on Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe’s Engagement
• Coverage of the Upcoming Women’s World Cup