July 12, 2023
WoEgypt

Photo Copyright Daniela Porcelli for The Equalizer

American soccer star Megan Rapinoe has announced her retirement from the sport at the end of the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League season. She will play in her final World Cup this summer in Australia and New Zealand.

“I’ve been able to have such an incredible career, and this game has brought me all over the world and allowed me to meet so many amazing people,” said Rapinoe. “I feel incredibly grateful to have played as long as I have, to be as successful as we’ve been, and to have been a part of a generation of players who undoubtedly left the game better than they found it. To be able to play one last World Cup and one last NWSL season and go out on my own terms is incredibly special,” she said.

Rapinoe, 38, began her international career in July of 2006 (a few weeks after her 21st birthday). In addition to two Women’s World Cup titles, Rapinoe also represented Team USA in the Olympic Games three times, helping to earn the country a gold medal in 2012 and a bronze medal in 2020.

“Megan Rapinoe is one of the most important players in women’s soccer history and a personality like no other,” said U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Vlatko Andonovski. “She has produced so many memorable moments for her team and the fans on the field that will be remembered for a very long time, but her impact on people as a human being may be even more important.”

Throughout her career, she had played in 17 World Cup matches and 14 Olympic matches.

In 2019, Rapinoe won best FIFA Women’s Player of the Year, France Football Ballon d’Or and the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year.

In July 2022, President Joe Biden awarded Rapione the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. She is the first soccer player to receive the award, and one of just six female athletes or coaches to be so the honored.

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