Megan Rapinoe and Her USWNT Career: 2023

Megan Rapinoe has had one of the most successful careers in women’s soccer history. Rapinoe has been a mainstay in the USWNT team for quite a few years. However, the USWNT legend has reached the fag end of her career. The one thing that the fans love the most about her is her ability to fight against the odds and make a comeback from her injuries. But it’s safe to say that Rapinoe has had quite a few iconic moments in her country’s colors over the years.

While the injuries currently catching up with her faster than expected, let’s take a look back at how her career actually panned out.

Beginning of Megan Rapinoe’s journey for the USWNT

It took Megan Rapinoe quite a few years to break into the USWNT squad. She initially started off with the US U16s back in 2002. Looking at her skill and agility, it was hard for any manager to not include her in their squad. Her good fate saw her quickly upgrade to the U19 squad the next year itself.

The young Megan Rapinoe played 21 games while managing to net the ball on nine occasions during her two-year spell between 2003-05 in the U19 circuit. She finally got her USWNT debut a year later.

Rapinoe’s first goal for the national team

Megan Rapinoe finally got her chance in the USWNT in 2006. She trained with the senior women’s soccer squad at a training camp in California. She made her senior debut on July 23, 2006. Her first USWNT goal came a few months later against Taiwan. In fact, Rapinoe banged in two goals on October 1, 2006, against Taiwan.

Megan Rapinoe’s jersey number: the story behind it

Megan Rapinoe has always stuck to her number 15 jersey since the beginning. She has never mentioned any specific reason for picking that number. However, she’s made immense use of the space behind the jersey.

Back in 2019, Rapinoe and the entire USWNT squad wore ‘pride-themed’ jerseys. Everyone’s number at the back was printed in the colors of the LGBTQAI+ Pride flag.

Total goals Megan Rapinoe has scored for the USWNT and other milestones

Megan Rapinoe has scored a total of 63 goals while making 199 appearances for the USWNT. The USWNT soccer legend is only one game away from making 200 appearances for the national team. Recently, her soccer partner in crime, Alex Morgan received a warm reception from her family and the fans after achieving the same accolade too.

Megan Rapinoe’s top 5 title wins with the USWNT

Without a doubt, Megan Rapinoe’s two consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup trophies with the USWNT in 2015 and 2019 top the list. Rapinoe’s gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics definitely ranks at #3 after the two World Cups. Her bronze medal at the iconic 2020 Tokyo Olympics and her triumph in the SheBelieves Cup also proudly make her main list of achievements with the USWNT.

Rapinoe’s top goals for the USWNT

Megan Rapinoe’s Olimpico at the 2012 London Olympics tops this list. She became the first player of any gender to score a goal directly from a corner kick in the history of the Olympics. Apart from that, the USWNT star has also scored several other jaw-dropping goals. In 2020, Rapinoe scored a Beckham-esque freekick from outside the box against arch-rivals Canada.

In 2017, Rapinoe scored a phenomenal goal for the USWNT on the counterattack against Japan. Christen Press steamed past the defense and rolled the ball straight to Rapinoe. The fans went absolutely berserk after one of the defenders sat down with a cheeky fake before her slotting the ball into the back of the net.

Megan Rapinoe’s role in USWNT’s equal-pay moment

Megan Rapinoe was the unofficial leader of the USWNT troop who protested against US Soccer in 2019. Rapinoe, along with 27 other USWNT teammates, filed a lawsuit for gender discrimination against the United States Soccer Federation.

About two years later, US Soccer finally gave up its old stance and agreed to settle the lawsuit. The athletes would receive $24 million as a settlement and also a further promise to equalize pay for both counterparts of the sport.

Megan Rapinoe’s USWNT salary

As the 19 highest-paid women athlete as per Forbes, Rapinoe makes about $5.7 million a season. The USWNT legend reportedly cashes out a $250,000 salary cheque every season.

Megan Rapinoe’s current role and position with the USWNT

Earlier in 2022, Megan Rapinoe had a fruitful conversation with Vlatko Andonovski, USWNT’s head coach. With the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, Andonovski said he wanted to infuse the squad with young blood.

READ MORE: “She’s Just F**king Good”: Megan Rapinoe Showers Heavy Praise for USWNT Wonderkid Ahead of 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

It meant that the soccer legend’s role in the squad could be further limited. But then, the head coach promised her that if she were fit enough and, in a condition, to play, she would definitely be on the roster.

Megan Rapinoe’s plans to retire from the national team

Megan Rapinoe has never given retirement a serious and continuous thought. In the last few years, her injuries have increased, but the soccer legend still manages to find a way back. Previously, Rapinoe had taken a break from the sport to contemplate retirement.

However, she returned to the squad in no time. At the age of 37, Rapinoe undeniably still has a passion for playing soccer. It will only be the injuries that could cut short her career in the near future.

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What is your favorite Megan Rapinoe moment? Let us know in the comments below.