By: Gabrielle Nordstrom
Edited By: Kylie Augis
Courtesy of Getty Images
A day every United States National Womens (USWNT) soccer fan knew was coming soon, but never wanted it to come. USA soccer legend Megan Rapinoe has announced her retirement after the end of this NWSL season.
Let's take a look at what Rapinoe has accomplished in her time with the USWNT.
It all started on July 23, 2006 where she had her first cap for the USWNT. Now she currently has 199 caps and has made an impact on women’s soccer that will never be forgotten.
Rapinoe currently has a total of 136 points(63g-73a), and two world cups under her belt. Not only that, in 2019 alone she won the Golden Ball and Golden Boot at the World Cup, The Best FIFA Women's Player of the Year, the France Football Ballon d'Or and the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year.
She is currently preparing to take part in her fourth world cup and hoping to bring one last trophy home.
Not only has she excelled in the FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament, she has made her mark in the Olympics. A three-time Olympian, Rapinoe helped the USA capture gold at the 2012 London Olympics, highlighted by a two-goal performance in the semifinal match against Canada. Courtesy of USA Soccer
Rapinoe has been a staple in the powerhouse that is the USWNT for years now. As her time with the team comes to an end, her legacy on the field will certainly never be forgotten. Her work off the field will also always be remembered.
Courtesy of Getty Images
On July 1, 2022, it was announced that Rapinoe had been selected by President Joe Biden to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, which she received at the White House on July 7. She is the first soccer player to ever receive this award.
She also became a huge advocate for gender pay equality, which was an ongoing issue with the national team. Along with that, Rapinoe was a big social media figure who used her outlets to speak on topics like gender equality, racism inequality issues and voter rights.
Rapinoe is undoubtedly one of the most impactful soccer players to come out of the USWNT. What she did for female soccer players all around the world will never be forgotten, along with her magical performances she put on during some of the best games of her life.
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