Megan Rapinoe Announces Shock Retirement Plan - Fans Stunned!
Megan Rapinoe, the celebrated forward for USA and OL Reign, plans to retire after the 2023 NWSL season The 38-year-old legend will first represent her country in the final World Cup this year, where the USA aims to defend their title as two-time champions
Megan Rapinoe has confirmed her retirement, set for after the 2023 NWSL season. Currently, she is gearing up to represent the USA, the reigning champions, in the Women's World Cup, scheduled to begin this month in Australia and New Zealand.
On Twitter, Rapinoe expressed her gratitude for the amazing career she has had, thanks to the opportunities this game has brought her. Travelling the world and meeting incredible individuals have been highlights of her journey. She feels immensely thankful for the longevity of her playing career, the success her team has achieved, and being part of a generation that undeniably made a positive impact on the game.
"To be able to play one last World Cup and one last NWSL season and go out on my own terms is incredibly special.
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I would like to express my gratitude to my family for their unwavering support throughout these years. I am grateful for the camaraderie and guidance from my teammates and coaches, starting from my early days in Redding, continuing through my college years at the University of Portland, and extending to my time with US Soccer, the Seattle Reign, and particularly, Sue [Bird, Rapinoe’s partner], who has been incredibly supportive in every way.
The friendships and support I have received in this sport will always hold a special place in my heart. I am filled with tremendous excitement as I embark on one final journey with the national team and the Reign.
Rapinoe boasts an impressive tally of 199 caps and an Olympic gold medal from 2012 as part of the USA team, complemented by triumphs in the 2015 and 2019 World Cups.
In recognition of her outstanding performance in the World Cup, Rapinoe was bestowed with the prestigious titles of Best FIFA Women's Player and the Ballon d'Or Feminin.
In 2022, Rapinoe achieved a historic milestone by becoming the inaugural football player to be honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
On July 22, 2023, the USA will commence their World Cup journey for 2023, starting with a match against Vietnam in Group E, followed by challenging encounters against the Netherlands and Portugal.
Rapinoe will play her last regular-season game at Seattle's Lumen Field on October 6th, facing off against the Washington Spirit. She became a member of the Reign in 2013 during the debut season of the NWSL and currently holds the club's records for both goals, with 48, and assists, with 25.
Rapinoe has achieved three NWSL Shields with the Reign, while also being honored with one Best XI and two Second XI selections.
What is the World Cup schedule?
The group stage is scheduled to commence on July 20 and will span over a two-week period until August 3. During this time, the group winners and runners-up will advance to the round of 16, which will be held from August 5 to August 8.The quarter-finals are set to take place on August 11 and 12 in Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane, and Sydney. Following this, the first semi-final will be held in Auckland on August 15, while the other semi-final will occur on August 16 at the Accor Stadium in Sydney. Finally, the grand final will be hosted by the Accor Stadium on August 20.
A third-place play-off will be played the day before the final on August 19 in Brisbane.
