In a solemn and emotional press conference held at PayPal Park in San Jose, California, on July 8th, 2023, Megan Rapinoe, the iconic forward for both the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT), stated she would retire at the end of the 2023 NWSL season. Accompanied by USWNT Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski, she delivered a heartfelt speech expressing gratitude for the incredible support she received throughout her career.
Rapinoe conveyed nostalgia and appreciation as she spoke, echoing the countless hours of training, exhilarating victories, and profound connections she had made. She expressed her sincere gratitude towards her teammates, coaches, and fans, recognizing the unwavering support they had provided her during her extraordinary journey, and spoke about her wish to pass on the torch to the upcoming generation of skilled players.
With her exceptional skills, vision, and fearlessness, she played an instrumental role in leading the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) to numerous victories and championships. Her performances in the 2011, 2015, and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she won the Golden Boot and Golden Ball, respectively, will be etched in soccer history.
Beyond her athletic prowess, Rapinoe has fearlessly used her platform to advocate for important causes, including gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and equal pay. Her unapologetic stance and willingness to speak out against injustice made her a role model for athletes worldwide and inspired a new generation of activists.
Throughout her career, Rapinoe faced her fair share of challenges. From battling injuries to enduring criticism, she never wavered in her pursuit of greatness, proving repeatedly that resilience and determination can overcome any obstacle. Her unwavering self-belief and the confidence she instilled in her teammates elevated the USWNT to new heights and solidified her status as a true leader.
As she stepped away from the podium, a sense of admiration filled the air as those present realized they had witnessed the end of an era. While the retirement of this legendary female soccer player marks the closing of a remarkable chapter, her impact on the sport will forever remain.
Megan Rapinoe’s retirement announcement is a powerful reminder of women’s significant impact in sports. They can celebrate, empower and inspire others through their accomplishments. Her incredible contributions to soccer history will be remembered forever, and her influence will continue to shape the future of women in sports.
Join us on Friday, July 21st, 2023, at 6 pm PST as we cheer on Megan Rapinoe in her final quest for World Cup glory with the United States Women’s National Team.
Check out the full schedule here.