How Megan Rapinoe Ends Her Career with the US Women’s National Soccer Team
Megan Rapinoe has officially concluded her illustrious career with the US Women’s National Team (USWNT) on a high note, celebrating a memorable win over South Africa.
In a career marked by numerous accolades and unforgettable victories, the 38-year-old, a two-time World Cup champion with the U.S., bid farewell to the national team with a 2-0 triumph.
Rapinoe, who leaves her imprint on the national team with an impressive record of 63 goals, 73 assists, and 203 caps, was honored before the game and then graced the pitch at Soldier Field in Chicago, contributing to her team’s second friendly win over South Africa in less than a week.
Reflecting on her farewell match, Rapinoe expressed her 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.” She added, “I know that I am a likeable player, and I know that I mean a lot to the game.”
Rapinoe, who garnered numerous individual awards, including the Golden Boot, Golden Ball, and Ballon d’Or for her pivotal role in the U.S.’s 2019 World Cup triumph, continued, “But to have this night come and to actually feel it and see it—from my teammates, from our staff, and certainly from the fans, who have been such a huge part of our success on and off the field, really—it was very special.”
The match witnessed rising star Trinity Rodman opening the scoring for the U.S. in the first half, celebrating her goal with Rapinoe.
Megan Rapinoe Bids Farewell to the US Women’s National Soccer Team with a Victorious End
Rapinoe’s signature corner kick set up the second goal of the night for the U.S., with Emily Sonnett heading it past South Africa’s goalkeeper Andile Dlamini after she had punched the ball away.
As the U.S. maintained a 2-0 lead with 40 minutes remaining, it was time for Rapinoe to bid farewell to the national team.
She was replaced by Midge Purce, and her departure from the field was met with enthusiastic applause from the crowd and heartfelt hugs from her teammates and coaches.
Teammate Lindsey Horan expressed her emotions, saying, “It’s really hard for me because I’m losing just an idol. It’s hard. That’s what you’ve looked up to.” She added, “It’s another reason why you fall in love with the game; those kinds of players that you watch on TV do those things. And you come in, and now you’re training with them every day? It’s freakin’ wild.”
With Julie Ertz playing her last game earlier in the week and now Rapinoe bidding farewell, the U.S. Women’s National Team is transitioning into a new era.
U.S. Soccer’s sporting director has promised to announce a new head coach to lead the team by the end of the year, marking a significant step forward for the program.
Rapinoe’s final appearance came 17 years and 63 days after her international debut on July 23, 2006. She joins a select group of players with a long-standing USWNT career, including Kristine Lilly (23 years, 94 days), Christie Pearce (18 years, 204 days), and Mia Hamm (17 years, 127 days).
