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The United States Women’s National Team is gearing up to make a run at an historic third straight FIFA World Cup victory starting later this month in Australia and New Zealand.
A large part of why the USWNT has had so much success over the last decade is superstar attacker Megan Rapinoe.
Rapinoe has 63 goals and 73 assists in 163 matches all-time for stars and stripes and was one of the most influential players at both the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Her performance in 2019 propelled her to win the Ballon d’Or later that year as the world’s best female player.
Now, at the age of 38, Rapinoe says she’s calling it a career following the World Cup and the completion of the NWSL season.
“It is with a deep sense of peace and gratitude that I have decided this will be my final season playing this beautiful game,” Rapinoe said in an Instagram post on Saturday. “I never could have imagined the ways in which soccer would shape and change my life forever, but by the look on this little girl’s face, I think she knew all along.”
She also issued a statement through U.S soccer regarding her decision.
“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,” it read. “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.”
Tributes immediately came pouring in for the player who defined a generation of women’s soccer.
I could write a 100+ tweet thread about how much I love Megan Rapinoe and what an absolute legendary player and human and advocate she is, but I don’t think it would even come close to doing her justice.
I’ll miss her but jfc what a career 👏 https://t.co/Km48e4h4wz
— Leigh Nieves (@LeighNieves) July 8, 2023
Legend, champion, icon 🙌 Forever one of my favorite players. You’ve impacted the game on and off the field like no other. Go out with a bang, Pinoe! Get that fifth star ❤️❤️❤️🇺🇸 https://t.co/K9G3KGLwhY
— Nikki (@LilyVLove) July 8, 2023
Covered a USWNT game in 2017. Rapinoe had been left off the SheBelieves Cup training camp months prior. Her soccer future seemed in doubt, coming off injury. I talked with her about it and her social justice pushes. Bounced back to become a global star. Legend. https://t.co/KYr81r0yiy
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) July 8, 2023
Now that Megan Rapinoe is retiring, who for the #USWNT will spy on Brazil's free kick meetings? 😂 https://t.co/WxE3AujlNv
— Caitlin Murray (@caitlinmurr) July 8, 2023
The USWNT likely won’t struggle to replace what Rapinoe brings on the field these days thanks to a glut of talent. But off it, she leaves an absolutely massive hole to fill.