“Made the world better”
Football icon Rapinoe leaves the world stage emotionally
September 25, 2023, 8:42 a.m
Soccer star Megan Rapinoe says goodbye to the big stage with a victory. Against South Africa she was substituted after 54 minutes to great applause. As she leaves the field, she bows to the spectators. She gets very emotional during a speech after the game
US icon Megan Rapinoe ended her dazzling national team career with a goal and a lot of pathos. “It makes me really proud to know that we were not only so successful on the field, but also helped to make the world a better place,” said the 38-year-old US soccer player after the 2-0 win against South Africa. “I’ll always miss it. I don’t think I’ll ever have a moment where it feels perfect, but this is pretty close,” she added.
“Trailblazer. Icon. Inspiration,” the US women’s team praised their leader: “You have made this sport, this country and this world a better place. Thank you.” Superstar Alexis Morgan added: “Your legacy is so much bigger than what you did on the field…you literally did everything.” For Rapinoe it was the last appearance at Soldier Field in Chicago after 203 international matches and 63 goals in 17 years and 63 days since her debut. After the defending champions’ early exit from the World Cup, she announced her retirement. She will play her last competitive game in the jersey of her club OL Reign on October 15th.
Rapinoe led the Americans to titles at the 2015 and 2019 World Championships and to gold at the 2012 Olympics in London. In 2019 she was a world footballer. But she became known above all as a loud activist who campaigned for equality and social justice, and because she defended herself against the bullying former US President Donald Trump. For her efforts, US President Joe Biden awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the US’s highest civilian honor.
“She touched so many people’s lives in a positive way. She changed this sport forever,” said U.S. striker Trinity Rodman. She scored in the 18th minute to make it 1-0 against South Africa, Rapinoe scored the final score in the 54th minute before being sent off with a standing ovation. As a thank you bowed to the spectators. After her departure, she smiled and fought back tears and hugged every teammate and every member of the team.