The Unforgettable Legacy of Megan Rapinoe: A Final US Game That Will Make History

Megan Rapinoe has crafted an extraordinary international career, rare in the realm of sports, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

While two World Cup titles and an Olympic gold medal would suffice for most, the 38-year-old athlete has consistently surpassed mere satisfaction with her sporting accomplishments.

On Sunday, fans will have the opportunity to commemorate the accomplishments of Rapinoe, the California midfielder. Throughout her career, she has made a significant impact as a campaigner, a philanthropist, a fashion icon, and a proponent of equal rights in society. This game will mark her final appearance for the US Womens National Team (USWNT).

In a statement, Rapinoe expressed her excitement for the upcoming game against South Africa in Chicago, which marks the final match in a two-game series. She acknowledged the significance of playing for her country in front of their incredible fans and expressed gratitude towards her teammates and everyone who has influenced her as both a person and a player throughout the years.

US glory

Rapinoe will bow out from her international career having made 203 appearances for the country.

Since her debut in 2006, she has achieved an impressive record of scoring 63 goals and providing 73 assists, placing her in the top-10 for both categories in the history of the US women's team.

Throughout her journey, she has secured two World Cup championships in 2015 and 2019, as well as a gold medal at the London Olympics in 2012.

However, it was in 2019 when Rapinoe's star truly reached its zenith. By leading her nation to World Cup triumph, she not only clinched the Ballon d'Or Féminin but also secured FIFA's prestigious The Best award. This remarkable feat cemented her status as the undisputed leading female player in the world at that moment.

Rapinoe won the Women's World Cup twice, most recently in 2019.

Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

It was recognition for performances that had oozed class and confidence - traits encapsulated in an iconic photograph taken the same year.

After netting two goals against the host country France in the quarterfinals of the World Cup, Rapinoe joyfully commemorated the achievement with a powerful pose. This pose, captured in a photograph, has become arguably the most recognized and symbolic image of her life to date.

The image of Rapinoe, triumphant with her arms extended, caused a frenzy on the internet, delighting her loyal followers and inadvertently aggravating her dissenters.

Rapinoe warms up prior to the USA's World Cup match against Sweden

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Megan Rapinoe says it has been an honor to play for the US as she bids goodbye to national team

Sports pundit Bill Simmons posted this as one of my favorite sports pictures of the decade at the time. The rebellious celebration seemed to convey not only athletic triumph, but also her dedication to activism.

Rapinoe has consistently advocated for various causes, such as racial equality, women's rights, pay parity, and LGBTQ+ issues, despite facing criticism from both prominent and lesser-known individuals.

In 2016, she caused a stir by kneeling during the national anthem at a Seattle Reign game in support of Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick, a former NFL quarterback, faced backlash for protesting against racial injustice and police brutality. Despite facing criticism, she persisted in showcasing this solidarity gesture during matches for the US national team, an action that was not universally accepted.

Despite facing backlash from those she questioned, Rapinoe fearlessly voiced her disapproval of former US President Donald Trump, who retaliated publicly in 2019 after she expressed her refusal to visit the White House if the US triumphed in the World Cup that year. However, even a confrontation with the leader of her nation did not deter her from her path.

In 2022, she entered the White House once again, but this time it was to be presented with the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is regarded as the highest civilian honor in the United States. Rapinoe was recognized for her tireless advocacy efforts.

Expressing her gratitude, Rapinoe stated, "I am deeply humbled and incredibly honored to have been selected for this accolade by President Biden. This recognition only serves to further ignite my passion and determination to uphold the legacy of fighting for the rights and freedoms of all individuals."

"To quote Emma Lazarus, Until we are all free, we are none of us free."

Joe Biden awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Rapinoe during a ceremony at the White House in 2022.

Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

Advocacy work

Rapinoe, who previously called herself a "walking protest," was most notably an influential figure in her national teams drive for equal pay.

The dispute between her country's soccer federation and the women's team began in March 2019 when a gender discrimination lawsuit was filed against US Soccer.

After a lengthy legal struggle lasting three years, a resolution was finally achieved in 2022. The agreement ensured that both the women's and men's national teams would receive equal compensation for all friendlies and tournaments, including the prestigious World Cup.

Rapinoe expressed a slight sense of surrealism when discussing the agreement, acknowledging their long journey and the efforts of past generations of women who fought to elevate the sport.

"The aspect I eagerly anticipate and take immense pride in is the prospect of the next generation being spared the hardships we experienced. It signifies a transition towards universal equity in remuneration, ensuring equal pay for all, henceforth and forever."

No perfect ending

Nevertheless, her illustrious international career at the Women's World Cup this year did not culminate in a fairytale ending. Prior to the commencement of the tournament, Rapinoe disclosed her intention to retire by the season's conclusion, thereby making Australia and New Zealand the hosts of her ultimate fiercely contested international game.

At 38 years old, Rapinoe was no longer the formidable player she used to be, and her primary role became making a significant contribution as a substitute.

Despite a decrease in physical endurance, Rapinoe's wealth of experience proved invaluable for a youthful US team striving for renewal.

But, despite all the success that went before, her World Cup dreams ended in a penalty shootout heartbreak.

There was to be no perfect ending for Rapinoe as the US was dumped out of the 2023 Women's World Cup last-16.

Alex Pantling/FIFA/Getty Images

Rapinoe's final moment occurred as she sent her penalty kick soaring above the crossbar, resulting in Sweden eliminating the defending champion from the round-of-16. This marked the United States' earliest departure from a World Cup. Concealing her anguish with a smile of incredulity, she left the field, realizing she would never participate in another World Cup.

"It's almost like a twisted irony for me," Rapinoe expressed to Fox Sports following the match. "I can't help but see the humor in this unfortunate situation, having missed a penalty."

However, the unfortunate penalty miss is likely to fade into insignificance when reflecting upon Rapinoe's unparalleled international career.

Rapinoe's absence will be deeply felt due to her expertise and excellence in the field. However, it is anticipated that her dedication and support outside the field will endure. As Kelley O'Hara, her teammate, eloquently put it before this year's Women's World Cup, Rapinoe is a truly unique individual.

"Theres never been one like her, there probably is never going to be one close to her."