USWNT News: Megan Rapinoe Set to Retire

“I’ve been able to have such an incredible career, and this game has brought me all over the world and allowed me to meet so many amazing people."

Photo Courtesy of U.S. Soccer

Prior to the start of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, soccer legend Megan Rapinoe announced that it will be her last. The soccer icon announced that she will be hanging up her boots at the end of the 2023 NWSL season.

“I’ve been able to have such an incredible career, and this game has brought me all over the world and allowed me to meet so many amazing people,” said Rapinoe. “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. To be able to play one last World Cup and one last NWSL season and go out on my own terms is incredibly special.

“I want to thank my family for being by my side all these years. Thanks to all my teammates and coaches all the way back to my first days in Redding, on to college at the University of Portland and of course thanks to U.S. Soccer, the Seattle Reign and especially Sue, for everything. I will forever cherish the friendships and support over the years in this game, and I am beyond excited for one last ride with the National Team and the Reign.”

Rapinoe began her international career in July of 2006 (a few weeks after her 21st birthday) when she debuted against the Republic of Ireland in San Diego. She scored her first two international goals on Oct. 1, 2006, tallying twice against Chinese Taipei at what is now the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.

The 38-year-old currently has 199 caps over a span of 17 years playing for her country and will soon become the 14th U.S. player in history to reach 200 caps. In her 199 caps, the U.S. has an overall record of 157-14-28 and has scored 63 career goals with 73 assists.

Rapinoe is tied with Abby Wambach for third all-time in assists for the USWNT and is one of only seven players in USWNT history with 50+ career goals and 50+ career assists. She is also the only player in the 50 goal/50 assist club with more career assists than goals. Across her domestic club career, Rapinoe has racked up 48 goals and 25 assists in 109 matches playing for OL Reign in the NWSL.

Rapinoe’s legacy extends far past the pitch. Rapinoe publicly came out as gay in July of 2012 and has been an outspoken and visible advocate ever since for various issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, racial inequality, voter rights, and gender and pay equity. She was also the first white athlete and first female to kneel during the national anthem in solidarity with football player Colin Kaepernick.