In the Face of Backlash at All Times, USWNT Legend Megan Rapinoe Admits “It Was Difficult” on Dealing With It in 2020

Megan Rapinoe has played a crucial role in the recent success of the USWNT. Her exceptional performances at both international and domestic levels have garnered significant recognition and elevated her profile as a top player in the sport. The forward’s contributions to women’s soccer have brought her colossal respect and fame.

Even today, the 37-year-old continues to make a name for herself. However, there have been times when Rapinoe has gone through tough situations. The player has been the subject of criticism for many reasons, as she has often been part of many social issues to help her society.

However, the playmaker once revealed how she usually dealt with them. In 2020, Megan Rapinoe sat for a chit-chat with Harvard Business Review magazine. The playmaker was put up with many questions where she gave some excruciating details about her soccer journey and life.

Megan Rapinoe opened up dealing with backlash

During the interview, she was asked how she deals with facing backlash to which she had some words to quote. “It was difficult, not in a ‘Did I do the right thing?’ way—I never wavered on that and feel even more solid in my decision now—but personally. People were very angry about it—really, really, really upset—and the conversation got twisted in so many ways, with critics saying I was leveraging it for myself or unpatriotic,” she said.

Rapinoe said her revolutionary character brought her a bit of trouble. “I tried to just weather it. I didn’t get dropped by any sponsors, but I didn’t get any new ones.” She said. “I didn’t play again for the national team until they made the rule that you had to stand; they’ve denied that was the reason, but it’s obvious.”

“It created such a division. Still, the people who I care about—those close to me, activists, other athletes, Colin, and social justice advocates—were very supportive. And it was a lot less hard than being racially profiled for your whole life, so..,” added Rapinoe. It’s good to see even after standing for such causes, Rapinoe tries to keep her cool when she gets criticized.

READ MORE: Megan Rapinoe’s Road to Ballon d’Or 2019

Either way, her revolutionary character has helped society a lot, as she played a huge role in getting the USWNT an equal pay cut. However, she once again became a subject of backlash alongside her domestic side, after suffering a poor loss.

Endured a poor defeat in the NWSL

Recently, Rapinoe’s domestic side, OL Reign, suffered a shock loss at the hands of North Carolina Courage. Laura Harvey’s side traveled to WakeMed Soccer Park to steal three points, however, they lost 1-0 against the home side. A first-half strike from Tyler Lussi was enough to clinch three points for the visitors.

The result has led to Reign dropping points as they have come level against Gotham FC with 13 points. They are second, two points behind league leaders the Washington Spirits. Rapinoe must be reflecting on the defeat. Nevertheless, she’ll be looking to bring her side back on track in the next fixture.

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