Football Icon Meg Rapinoe's Final Match With US Women's National Team

On September 24, the world witnessed a remarkable moment as international football icon Megan Rapinoe graced the field one last time in the colours of the US women's national football team.

Her farewell match, a friendly against South Africa, was nothing short of spectacular, culminating in a resounding victory with the US women's national team triumphing 2-0.

Who is Megan Rapinoe? 

Megan Rapinoe is an American professional football player from California and an activist for gender equality in sports and the LGBTQIA+ community. Currently captain for the American women's national team, Rapinoe played midfielder and was in the starting lineup in her last two games with the US women's national team. Rapinoe made her debut in 2006, scoring 63 goals and 73 assists in her career since then. Rapinoe has ranked in the top 10 for both goals and assists throughout her career, and won the gold medal at the London Olympics in 2012 and two World Cup trophies in 2015 and 2019. In 2019, Rapinoe was awarded the prestigious honours of the Ballon d’Or Féminin and FIFA’s The Best award.

Rapinoe is currently engaged to former WNBA star Sue Bird, who was there supporting her throughout her final match. 

Rapinoe's Last Match

Rapinoe's last match with the US national women's team was an emotional one. Right before the match began, she was recognized with a jersey bearing “203” for her number of appearances for the national team. The US got their wins in early, with Trinity Rodman securing a goal in the 18th minute. Within 49 minutes, Rapinoe, along with Emily Sonnett, scored successfully. Whilst celebrating with her teammates on the field, Rapinoe did her iconic move, arms widely outstretched, to the crowd’s delight.

In the 54th minute, Megan Rapinoe left the pitch for the last time, receiving a thunderous ovation from the emotional spectators.  Visibly emotional,  she waved to the crowd and embraced all her teammates and coaches one last time, addressing the crowd at Soldier Field after the game to thank them for their support.

In a touching speech, Rapinoe expressed her appreciation for the unwavering support she received, saying, "We have fought so hard on the field, had so much fun, been so successful – doing it underneath all of your cheers." She continued, "It has been such an honour to wear this shirt and play with all of these amazing players and to live out my childhood dream casually in front of the world." As she bid farewell, she left the crowd with a resounding message of hope and support: "It’s going to be my honour to be an alumna of this team and watch this team continue to be as successful as we have been… I love you guys."

Megan Rapinoe's illustrious career has left an indomitable legacy, not only in the world of football but in the hearts of those she inspired with her passion, skill, and unwavering commitment to social justice. Let us celebrate the remarkable journey of a true sporting icon, Megan Rapinoe, as she takes her final bow, leaving an indelible mark on the world of football and beyond.

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