Olympic champion and two-time World Cup winner, Megan Rapinoe, bid an emotional farewell to international football as the U.S. Women’s National Team triumphed 2-0 against South Africa in a friendly match at Chicago’s Soldier Field stadium on Sunday.
The relentless 38-year-old striker played a pivotal role in both of her team’s goals during the match. She provided a sublime long pass to set up Trinity Rodman’s goal after linking with Alex Morgan. Rapinoe also delivered the corner that Emily Sonnett expertly headed into the back of the net.
In a poignant moment during the 52nd minute, Megan Rapinoe received a heartfelt farewell from the crowd as she left the field to a standing ovation. She handed the captain’s armband to Lindsey Horan and shared emotional hugs with her teammates.
Reflecting on her remarkable international career, Rapinoe expressed gratitude, saying, “It has been such an honor to be able to wear this shirt, play with all these players, and live out my childhood dream.”
Megan Rapinoe leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, amassing 203 caps and scoring 63 goals for her national team. She participated in four Women’s World Cups, securing victory in 2015 and 2019, and played a pivotal role in the U.S. claiming Olympic gold at the 2012 London Games.
Beyond her accomplishments on the field, Rapinoe garnered global recognition for her activism and off-field advocacy. She championed causes such as LGBT+ rights, spoke out against racism, and tirelessly advocated for equal pay in women’s soccer. Her unwavering commitment to social justice made her a household name and a symbol of progress in the world of sports.
While her international career has concluded, Megan Rapinoe is scheduled to play her final National Women’s Soccer League regular-season game with OL Reign on October 6th against the Washington Spirit in Seattle, marking the end of an era in women’s football.
