Megan Rapinoe, a key figure in the US Women’s National Team (USWNT) and a two-time Women’s World Cup champion, has confirmed that she will retire at the conclusion of the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season. The Olympic gold medalist, who earned her laurels at London 2012, also plans to participate in her fourth and final World Cup in New Zealand and Australia from July 20 to Aug. 20.
Announcing her retirement at a press conference prior to the USWNT’s friendly match against Wales, Rapinoe expressed immense gratitude for her illustrious career. She said, “This sport has taken me around the globe and introduced me to many incredible individuals. I feel incredibly fortunate to have enjoyed such a long and successful career, and to have been part of a generation that unquestionably enhanced the sport.”
Having debuted for the USWNT in July 2006, Rapinoe has since earned 199 caps for her country. US Soccer extolled her as “one of the most influential figures in the history of soccer in the United States and in the global women’s game.”
In 2019, Rapinoe’s stellar performance earned her the titles of Best FIFA Women’s Player and Ballon d’Or Feminin. She joined the OL Reign during the NWSL’s inaugural season in 2013 and currently holds the club records for the most goals (48) and assists (25) in 109 matches.
Reflecting on her impending retirement, Rapinoe said, “Having the opportunity to play one last World Cup and one final NWSL season on my own terms is incredibly special. I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to my family, teammates, and coaches, from my earliest days in Redding to my collegiate years at the University of Portland, and to US Soccer and the Seattle Reign. A special thanks to Sue for everything.”
Rapinoe added, “I will forever treasure the bonds and support fostered through this sport, and I am eagerly looking forward to one final journey with the National Team and the Reign.”
Megan Rapinoe is set to play her final regular-season match at Seattle’s Lumen Field on October 6 against the Washington Spirit, marking the end of an era for one of the US’s greatest players in women’s soccer history.
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