Megan Rapinoe announces retirement at the end of 2023 NWSL season
USWNT legend Megan Rapinoe announces retirement from professional football at the end of the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season.
The winger made her USWNT debut in July 2006, since then, she has won 199 caps for her country. She was also described by US Soccer as “one of the most impactful figures in the history of soccer in the United States and the global women’s game.”
Rapinoe will play her fourth and final World Cup this summer in Australia and New Zealand. After that, she will return NWSL team OL Reign.
The forward is well-known for her work on social issues, ranging from LGBTQ+ rights to racial inequality to gender and pay equity. She also won an Olympic gold medal in London 2012. In addition, Rapinoe also became the first soccer player to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Rapinoe’s statement on her retirement after the end of the 2023 season
“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.” Rapinoe told reporters at a press conference ahead of USWNT’s friendly match against Wales.
“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 terms is incredibly special.”
“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,” she added.
Megan Rapinoe announces retirement after World Cup and NWSL season
The 38-year-old has scored 63 goals and has also registered 73 assists for the USWNT and in 2019 won the Ballon d’Or and FIFA’s The Best award. After a scintillating Women’s World Cup in which she earned the Golden Ball and Golden Boot.
In her domestic career, Rapinoe won the French league title and French Cup with Lyon in the 2012-2013 season. She has also won three NWSL Shields with the Seattle Reign and OL Reign.
Rapinoe will hope to finish her stellar career on a high by lifting the World Cup yet again with the USWNT. The 38-year-old will then return to club side OL Reign for the rest of the season before hanging up her boots.
