Megan Rapinoe, the renowned U.S. soccer star, suffered a significant injury during the final match of her legendary career in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The incident occurred just minutes into the match, marking an unexpected and gutting end to Rapinoe’s illustrious playing days. The injury, described as non-contact, transpired in the third minute of the game, leading to the substitution of the 38-year-old athlete. Rapinoe, assisted by the training staff, limped off the pitch and had to watch the remainder of the match from the sidelines. Unfortunately, her team, OL Reign, lost 2-1 to Gotham FC.
In an interview with CBS Sports Golazo Network, a streaming service focused on soccer coverage, Rapinoe expressed her belief that she had likely torn her Achilles tendon on the field. Despite the challenging circumstances, she acknowledged the efforts of her team and congratulated Gotham FC on their successful year. Megan Rapinoe had previously announced her decision to retire from soccer following the championship match. The injury occurred just minutes into the first half, prompting her substitution.
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Megan Anna Rapinoe |
| Date of Birth | July 5, 1985 |
| Age | 38 |
| Place of Birth | Redding, California, United States |
| Height | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) |
| Weight | 60 kg (132 lbs) |
| Position | Forward, Midfielder |
| Clubs (Current) | OL Reign (NWSL) |
| International Debut | July 23, 2006 (Senior National Team) |
| Relationship Status | Engaged |
| Fiance | Sue Bird |
| Parents | Denise Rapinoe, Jim Rapinoe |
| Siblings | Rachael Rapinoe, Brian Rapinoe |
Megan Rapinoe’s Illustrious Career
Megan Rapinoe is an American progressive activist and former professional soccer player with a notable career in women’s football. She primarily played as a winger for OL Reign in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States national team. Rapinoe gained international recognition for her exceptional skills on the pitch and her significant contributions to the team’s success.
Throughout her career, Rapinoe achieved numerous accolades, including winning the Ballon d’Or Féminin and being named The Best FIFA Women’s Player in 2019. She played a crucial role in the United States’ victories at the 2012 London Summer Olympics, the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Additionally, she co-captained the national team alongside Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan from 2018 to 2020.
Notably, Rapinoe’s precision and crafty style of play were highlighted by her memorable performance in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup quarterfinal match against Brazil. Her precise cross to Abby Wambach in the 122nd minute led to an equalizer and eventual victory for the U.S. team. This last-minute goal earned her ESPN’s 2011 ESPY Award for Best Play of the Year. She also made history during the 2012 London Olympics by becoming the first player, male or female, to score a goal directly from a corner at the Olympic Games.
Off the pitch, Rapinoe is recognized for her activism, particularly in advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights. She has been involved with organizations such as the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and Athlete Ally. In 2013, she received the Board of Directors Award from the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center. Rapinoe’s advocacy work extends to her inclusion in Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2020.
Her contributions to both sports and social causes were further acknowledged in July 2022 when she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from then-President Joe Biden. Megan Rapinoe’s legacy extends beyond her achievements on the soccer field, marking her as a prominent figure in both sports and activism.
Megan Rapinoe’s Career Highlights
Megan Rapinoe’s career has been marked by remarkable achievements and contributions to women’s soccer, both at the club and international levels.
Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS)
Rapinoe entered the professional scene when she was selected second overall by the Chicago Red Stars in the 2009 Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) Draft. She made an immediate impact, securing a spot on the league’s All-Star Team in 2009. Following a brief stint with the Philadelphia Independence, she joined MagicJack in 2011, contributing to their playoff run. However, the franchise’s termination led Rapinoe and other players to become free agents in 2012.
Sydney FC and Seattle Sounders Women
In a global venture, Rapinoe joined Australia’s Sydney FC in 2011, showcasing her skills and helping the team to a third-place finish. Simultaneously, she played for the Seattle Sounders Women during the summer, demonstrating her versatility and drawing praise for her dynamic playing style.
Olympique Lyonnais
Rapinoe’s journey continued overseas as she signed with Olympique Lyonnais in France. Her tenure included participating in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, contributing to Lyon’s success in reaching the final, although they were defeated. She returned for the 2013–14 season before deciding to rejoin the Seattle Reign.
Seattle Reign FC
Joining the Seattle Reign FC in 2013 marked a significant chapter in Rapinoe’s career. Her impact was immediate, transforming the team’s performance and earning accolades like the NWSL Player of the Week. Despite facing injuries in subsequent seasons, Rapinoe played a pivotal role in the Reign’s success, helping them secure the NWSL Shield in 2014 and making notable contributions in subsequent seasons.
International Career
Rapinoe’s international career with the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) is nothing short of extraordinary. She made her debut in 2006 and endured setbacks due to ACL injuries. Her resilience and comeback were evident in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where her performances, including a memorable goal celebration, played a crucial role in the team’s journey to the final.
The 2012 London Olympics further solidified Rapinoe’s legacy as she helped lead the USWNT to a gold medal, contributing significant goals and assists. Her remarkable achievements continued with the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she played a pivotal role in the team’s success, showcasing her goal-scoring ability and playmaking skills.
The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup marked another highlight in Rapinoe’s career. Her exceptional performances, on-field leadership, and memorable moments, including a goal celebration using a corner flag as a microphone, contributed to the team’s success, securing back-to-back World Cup championships.
Later Years
Rapinoe continued to excel in subsequent years, contributing to the USWNT’s success in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 SheBelievesCup. Her announcement in 2023 that the FIFA Women’s World Cup would be her last major tournament marked the conclusion of an illustrious international career.
Megan Rapinoe’s career is characterized by her skill, versatility, leadership, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries in women’s soccer. Her impact on and off the field has left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring future generations of athletes.
Megan Rapinoe’s Early Life
Megan Rapinoe’s early life was shaped by her upbringing in Redding, California, within a large and diverse family. Born to parents Jim and Denise, Megan grew up alongside her fraternal twin Rachael and five other siblings, including step-siblings Michael and Jenny from Denise’s previous marriage, as well as older brother Brian. Both Jim and Megan’s grandfather Jack had served in the Army. Megan’s family heritage includes Italian ancestry from her paternal grandfather and Irish roots.
Her introduction to soccer came at the age of three, inspired by her older brother Brian’s involvement in the sport. Despite Brian’s later struggles with drug abuse and incarceration, Megan’s passion for soccer remained steadfast. Megan’s family faced challenges, but her brother’s determination to overcome addiction became a source of inspiration for her.
In terms of education, Megan Rapinoe attended Foothill High School but chose to play soccer for the Elk Grove Pride club team instead. Beyond soccer, she was actively involved in other sports, participating in track and basketball during her high school years. Despite her sporting commitments, Rapinoe excelled academically, consistently making the honor roll every semester.
Her soccer journey continued with notable achievements at the high school level, earning recognition as a Parade and National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-American in her junior and senior years. In 2004, she was selected for the McDonald’s All-American Girls High School Soccer West Team. The period from 2002 to 2005 saw Megan Rapinoe playing for Elk Grove Pride in the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL). Commuting two-and-a-half hours from her hometown, Rapinoe, along with her sister Rachael and future national teammate Stephanie Cox, contributed to the team’s success. Notably, during the US Youth Soccer National Championships, Rapinoe scored a crucial equalizer for Elk Grove United.
Her collegiate career took her to the University of Portland, where she and her sister chose to play on full scholarships. Despite a brief hiatus due to her participation in the 2004 FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championship, Rapinoe made a significant impact on the soccer field. In her freshman year, she helped the Pilots secure an undefeated season and win the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship.
Unfortunately, Rapinoe faced setbacks due to two season-ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries during her sophomore and junior years. Undeterred, she returned for the 2008 season, earning accolades such as West Coast Conference Player of the Year. Despite having one more season of college eligibility, she chose to enter the Women’s Professional Soccer Draft, leaving a lasting legacy at the University of Portland. Megan Rapinoe’s early life reflects her resilience, passion for soccer, and academic and athletic achievements that set the foundation for her illustrious career in women’s soccer.
Megan Rapinoe Family Background
Megan Rapinoe hails from Redding, California, where she grew up in a family with a unique and diverse background. Her parents, Jim and Denise, raised a total of seven children together. In addition to Megan and her fraternal twin Rachael Rapinoe, Denise has a son (Michael) and a daughter (Jenny) from a previous marriage. Megan’s older brother Brian came next, followed by the twins five years later.
The family’s military connection is evident as both Megan’s father, Jim, and her grandfather, Jack, have served in the Army. Megan Rapinoe has a mix of Italian ancestry from her paternal grandfather and Irish roots. Growing up, Megan idolized her older brother Brian and developed a passion for soccer at a very young age after watching him play the sport.
However, her family faced challenges when Brian began struggling with drug abuse while Megan and Rachael were in second grade. Brian’s struggles with drugs led to his placement in juvenile detention when Megan was ten, and he was fifteen. Subsequently, he experienced periods of incarceration in various prisons, including the notorious Pelican Bay State Prison.
Despite these difficulties, Megan Rapinoe’s family has undergone transformations and demonstrated resilience. Brian, inspired by his younger sister’s success in international soccer, made a determined effort to overcome his struggles with drugs. Megan has openly discussed her family’s challenges, shedding light on her brother’s incarceration and involvement with white supremacist groups within prison during his time behind bars.
In sharing her family background, Megan Rapinoe highlights both the support and challenges that have shaped her journey, emphasizing the impact of her older brother’s struggles and ultimate transformation on her own life and career.
Megan Rapinoe Relationships
Megan Rapinoe’s relationships have been a part of her public narrative, reflecting her openness about her personal life. Here is a summary of her notable relationships:
Sarah Walsh
Megan Rapinoe openly acknowledged her sexual orientation, revealing that she recognized she was a lesbian during her first year in college. The public disclosure occurred in the July 2012 edition of Out magazine. In this revelation, Rapinoe shared that she had been in a relationship with Australian soccer player Sarah Walsh since 2009. The couple remained together for about five years before ultimately ending their relationship in 2013.
Sera Cahoone
Following her separation from Walsh, Rapinoe entered into a relationship with Sera Cahoone, a recording artist associated with Sub Pop. The couple announced their engagement in August 2015. However, in January 2017, Rapinoe mentioned that their wedding plans were on hold.
Sue Bird
On July 20, 2017, Megan Rapinoe confirmed her romantic involvement with Sue Bird, a prominent basketball player for the Seattle Storm. They disclosed that they had been dating since late 2016. In 2018, Bird and Rapinoe achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first same-sex couple to be featured on the cover of ESPN’s The Body Issue. The couple took another step in their relationship by announcing their engagement on October 30, 2020.
Megan Rapinoe Net Worth
Megan Rapinoe’s Net Worth is about $5 million. Her primary sources of income come from her professional soccer career, endorsements, and various business ventures. Rapinoe has played for various professional soccer clubs, including Chicago Red Stars, Philadelphia Independence, MagicJack, Sydney FC, Olympique Lyonnais, and Seattle Reign FC. Contract earnings, bonuses, and incentives from her participation in domestic leagues and international competitions contribute significantly to her income.
As a highly visible and successful athlete, Rapinoe has secured endorsement deals with major brands. Companies often collaborate with her for advertising campaigns, product endorsements, and promotional events. Notable partnerships include deals with Nike, Samsung, Subway, and others. Rapinoe is involved in various business ventures, including her clothing line. In addition to being a soccer player, she has become a brand ambassador and entrepreneur.
Megan Rapinoe Physical Attributes
Megan Rapinoe, standing at a height of 1.68 meters and weighing 60 kilograms, possesses a dynamic physical profile that contributes to her prowess on the soccer field. Her stature combines agility and strength, allowing for agile movements and strategic gameplay. Rapinoe’s physical attributes, including her speed and endurance, have played a crucial role in her successful career, making her a formidable presence on the pitch. This athlete’s well-balanced physique reflects a commitment to fitness and athleticism, key components in her ability to excel in the demanding world of professional soccer.
Conclusion
Megan Rapinoe’s injury during the National Women’s Soccer League final marks the end of an era in women’s soccer. Her illustrious career, characterized by skill, versatility, and activism, has left an indelible mark on the sport and society as a whole. As Rapino
