Megan Rapinoe to retire: USWNT won’t be the same without women’s soccer legend

With a World Cup on the horizon, Megan Rapinoe made it official a day before the USWNT play Wales in the World Cup send-off match that she’ll say farewell to the game at the conclusion of the 2023 NWSL campaign.  

U.S. soccer without Megan Rapinoe will just not be the same. She is not just a soccer legend, the USWNT attacker leaves the game a world icon. Her career may be coming to a close, but due to her change-making personality, this is far from the last time we will see Rapinoe.

She was a difference-maker on the pitch while consistently being at the forefront of a plethora of social issues in the United States. Her and her partner Sue Bird will only continue to battle for equality for all minority groups in the United States. Whether it was pay equity, or gender equity, Rapinoe was never afraid to fight for the people out there that did not have the power to do so.

After stints in America, France, Australia, and 11 seasons in the National Women’s Soccer League with OL Reign, Rapinoe expressed that the next few months will be her last as a professional athlete. Despite her being in a much different role this summer, her leadership is going to be key in the USWNT’s ability to hoist a third straight Women’s World Cup. Her 17 years for the United States on the international stage emphasizes not only her work ethic, but her admirable longevity. With one more appearance internationally, OL Reign’s No. 15 will reach the 200 cap milestone.

In a press conference with her head coach to her right, Rapinoe reflected on her career while looking at what is ahead:

“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.”

The three-time NWSL Shield winner will leave the game as one of only seven USWNT players to have collected 50 or more goals and 50 or more assists during her international career. With one more assist, she will take sole possession of third place all-time in assists in the history of the United States women, passing Abby Wambach.

Her vision, and ability to find runners in dangerous areas will go down in United States soccer lore. One of her most memorable moments in the stars and stripes came during the 2015 Women’s World Cup. Rapinoe came onto the pitch as a substitute, and delivered the perfect left-footed ball to Wambach who scored the equalizer in the 122nd minute of the game against Brazil in the quarterfinals. In the 2012 London Olympics, the California native found Carli Lloyd for the clincher in the Gold Medal match against Japan. Despite 155 fewer outings for the United States, the University of Portland graduate trails Kristine Lilly by just 33 assists.

Megan Rapinoe still has a whole lot to play for before her career comes to a close

The job is far from finished for the veteran. Not only does she have a world title to defend, but the 38-year-old is yet to win an NWSL championship. In her second and third campaigns in Seattle, the forward was vital in her club team finishing as the league’s runners-up. If is was not for two goals by Amy Rodriguez, the Reign would have lifted the 2014 NWSL title. Laura Harvey’s side are poised to clinch a postseason spot, sitting in third position in the current table.

Catch Megan Rapinoe and the USWNT against Wales in the send-off match on TNT at 4:00 pm EST. The opener for the United States in the World Cup takes place on Friday, July 21 at 9:00 pm EST against Vietnam at Eden Park.