Rapinoe, 38, announced on Saturday, July 8, that she would officially retire at the end of the National Women's Football League season. She was a winner in her farewell game for the United States on Sunday, setting up a goal with a corner kick in a 2-0 triumph.
Megan Rapinoe, the iconic 38-year-old striker, celebrated for off-field activism as well as glories on the pitch, ended her epic US career with 63 goals in 203 caps over more than 17 years with a 54th-minute exit at Chicago's Soldier Field on Sunday, September 24, 2023.
"Just so grateful to play this long with so many amazing players and be able to be as successful
as we've been on and off the field," Rapinoe said Sunday. "I feel like when you come into something you want to leave it better than where you found it and I think I've done that."
A vocal advocate for LGBTQ rights who has supported an array of US social justice issues, Rapinoe was presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's top civilian award, in 2002 by President Joe Biden. Rapinoe, FIFA's 2019 Women's Player of the Year, also was among the leaders of the US women's successful fight with US football for equal pay and conditions with the men's squad. "She has affected so many people's lives in a positive way. She has changed this sport forever," US forward Trinity Rodman said of Rapinoe. "I'm so grateful I'm able to play on the same field with her as well as learn from her so she's a legend."
Rapinoe was replaced by Margaret Purce in the 54th minute and departed to a standing ovation, teammates coming over to share a hug before she stepped off the pitch for the last time in a USA uniform. "Trailblazer. Icon. Inspiration," the US women's team posted on social media after Rapinoe's exit. "You've made this sport, this country and this world a better place. Thank you." Morgan, in a video tribute, told Rapinoe, "Your legacy is so much bigger than what you did on the field. You've just really impacted this team. "You've made the most of your career because
you've literally done it all. I'm just so proud of how you get to go out on your own terms
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