American footballer Megan Rapinoe has made the announcement that she will retire from professional football at the conclusion of the current season, after participating in her fourth and final Women's World Cup. During a press conference held on Saturday, July 8, preceding her 200th appearance for the United States in a match against Wales on Sunday, July 9, Rapinoe expressed her decision. She shared, "This is going to be my last season, my last World Cup, and my last NWSL season. Obviously, there will be more to come, further down the road, after hopefully we get done what we want to get done."
Rapinoe expressed her gratitude towards various individuals and organizations, including US head coach Vlatko Andonovski, US Soccer, her teammates, and coaches. She reflected on the incredible journey her career in football has been, allowing her to travel the world and meet amazing people. The footballer acknowledged her privilege to have played for so long and achieved success, as well as being part of a generation that contributed to the advancement of the game. She expressed the special significance of playing in one last World Cup and NWSL season, enabling her to retire on her own terms.
Rapinoe extended her thanks to her family, teammates, coaches from her early days in Redding and her college experience at the University of Portland, as well as U.S. Soccer and the Seattle Reign. She expressed her immense appreciation for the friendships and support she received throughout her career. Rapinoe concluded by expressing her excitement for one final journey with the National Team and the Reign.
The announcement of her retirement comes after Rapinoe recently spoke at a ceremony honoring the jersey retirement of her partner, Sue Bird, at the WNBA team Seattle Storm. Rapinoe, an iconic figure and one of the greatest female players in the history of the sport, has achieved numerous accolades throughout her extraordinary career. The 38-year-old has won the Women's World Cup twice with the USWNT, earning 199 caps and scoring 63 goals for the national team. She has also been recognized as the Best FIFA Women's Player of the Year, received the Ballon d'Or, and was named the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year. Additionally, Rapinoe claimed the Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards while leading her team to victory in the 2019 World Cup.
