Just days before heading to her fourth World Cup, 38-year-old Megan Rapinoe announced on Saturday that she will retire at the end of the National Women’s Soccer League season. She made the announcement on Twitter, saying she “never could have imagined the ways in which soccer would shape & change my life forever.”
“It is with a deep sense of peace & gratitude that I have decided this will be my final season playing this beautiful game,” the Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Cup champion said.
Rapinoe became one of the biggest stars in U.S. women’s soccer history and delivered some of the most clutch performances on the biggest stages. She’s been one of the most outspoken American athletes as well, leading conversations on a long list of social issues throughout her career including LGBTQ+ rights, racial inequality, voter rights, and equal pay for female athletes.
Rapinoe began her international career in July 2006 when she made her debut in a match against the Republic of Ireland in California.
While they still have Rapinoe’s talents, the US team is seeking a third consecutive title when the Women’s World Cup kicks off on July 20th in Australia and New Zealand.
