08 July 2023 , 23:13
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USWNT icon Megan Rapinoe has enjoyed a number of enthralling moments across her illustrious career as she heads into her final World Cup.
On Saturday, Rapinoe announced her intention to retire following the conclusion of the 2023 NWSL season, which ends on Oct. 15. The 38-year-old is one of the most iconic women's soccer players and personalities in the history of the game.
Rapinoe has been a vocal leader for a number of social issues, including LGBTQ+ rights, racial inequality, voter rights, gender and pay equity. Her legacy is cemented as one of the most impactful figures in soccer history in the United States, as well as around the world in the women’s game.
Rapinoe has played for OL Reign since 2013, appearing in 14 games and scoring seven goals in the 2022 season. The club clinched the NWSL Shield after tallying an 11-4-7 record, although they lost in the playoff semi-finals to Kansas City Current. Regardless, Rapinoe has enjoyed a stellar career en route to being one of the most famous players in women’s soccer history, including these five greatest moments.
2019 World Cup star
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Rapinoe starred at the 2019 Women’s World Cup, securing the Golden Ball awarded to the tournament’s best player, as well as the Golden Boot to mark the top scorer. She scored an impressive six goals in France, which was level with Australia’s Sam Kerr and England’s Ellen White - but Rapinoe’s three assists meant she claimed the award on the tiebreaker.
Her starring performance at the tournament came in the semi-finals versus the hosts when Rapinoe netted two goals. After scoring her second, Rapinoe celebrated by striking a now-iconic post with her arms outstretched as she faced the crowd.
Ballon d’Or winner
In December 2019, Rapinoe was named the winner of the Ballon d’Or Feminin. She became only the second recipient of the award, doing so after inspiring the USWNT to a fourth Women’s World Cup title.
Equal pay
Even with her talent and performances with the USWNT, Rapinoe’s legacy in soccer is forever linked to her off-pitch work in pushing for equal pay. She will be remembered as one of the driving forces behind the successful campaign.
Rapinoe and her teammates battled for six years with U.S. Soccer for equal pay with the men’s team. After the lawsuit was settled, Rapinoe said: “For our generation, knowing that we’re going to leave the game in an exponentially better place than when we found it is everything.”
Megan Rapinoe starred at the 2019 World Cup, pulling off what would become her trademark celebration against both France and the Netherlands (AP)Late heroics in 2011 semis
While the USWNT did not win the 2011 Women’s World Cup, Rapinoe’s legend began in the semi-finals against Brazil in extra time. Rapinoe collected the ball in the final few seconds, swinging in an inch-perfect cross which was met by Abby Wambach for the headed equaliser.
The dramatic goal sent the game to penalties, with the Americans emerging victorious. Japan went on to defeat Rapinoe and Co. in the final, but the USWNT showed flashes of the dynasty that was to come.
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History at the Olympic Games
Rapinoe performs best under the brightest lights, and she made sure she made history in the Olympic Games. She became the first player, man or woman, to score directly from a corner kick in Olympics history when she did so against Canada at London 2012.
Rapinoe proved it wasn’t a flash in the pan, either: she did it again in a bronze medal match against Australia at Tokyo 2020. It proved to be crucial too as the US claimed a 4-3 win to seal a medal on the final step of the podium.