Megan Rapinoe - Getty Images/GOAL
Megan Rapinoe said goodbye to fans of the U.S. women’s national team after her 203rd and final match in the team’s 2-0 win against South Africa on Sunday. She assured everyone that we’d still hear from her.
Rapinoe’s Reflections and Legacy
“I just want to say thank you. It feels like I’ve grown up with all of you,” Rapinoe shared after playing for 54 minutes at Chicago’s Soldier Field.
“When I think about representing this team and country, we’re just like you. We’ve always been proud to be ourselves, and we hope that by being true to ourselves, we’ve made more room for all of you to be who you are. It’s been an honor wearing this shirt, playing with these players, and living my childhood dreams in front of the world.”
Rapinoe leaves a remarkable legacy in U.S. women’s soccer. She played for 17 years, the fourth-longest tenure in USWNT history. She had many memorable moments, including leading the team to victory in the 2019 Women’s World Cup. Off the field, she’s been a strong advocate for equality, not just as an openly gay athlete but also in the fight for equal pay for the USWNT.
Heartfelt Tributes
The crowd showered her with praise, and she received standing ovations during the match. After the game, she made a heartfelt speech that brought some to tears. U.S. Soccer played Tina Turner’s “The Best” as a tribute to her impact on the sport.
U.S. Soccer honored the conclusion of Rapinoe’s international career by sharing video tributes from her teammates, including her long-time attacking partner, Alex Morgan. They celebrated her career and her contributions both on and off the field.
Nike, a long-time sponsor, also paid tribute with a memorable jingle, acknowledging Rapinoe’s fight for the love of the game.
Rapinoe’s Future with OL Reign
While her international career has ended, Rapinoe will continue with her NWSL team, the OL Reign, for the rest of the season. She’ll have more tributes on October 6th during the Reign’s final home game of the regular season.
Remaining a Fan
Even though she’s retiring from international play, Rapinoe assured everyone that she’ll still be a big team fan and remain a part of the sporting world.
Source: CBS Sports
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