“She Wasn’t Always the Fittest or Hardest-Working” – After Retired Megan Rapinoe’s Final US Game, USWNT Legend Lavishes Praise on Her

A few days ago, USWNT star Megan Rapinoe concluded her international journey. The 38-year-old played her last game on September 25th against South Africa. As fans came together to bid farewell to this legendary player, a United States women’s national team icon has showered praise on Rapinoe’s career. Not only that, she placed the soccer icon on a pedestal above herself!

The crowd turned out in large numbers to show their support for Rapinoe during her farewell game. It also resulted in an emotional reunion with her family and her fiancée, Sue Bird.

USWNT legend praises Megan Rapinoe

Recently, Heather O’Reilly sat down for a brief interview with ex-USMNT star Alexi Lalas and Fox Sports writer David Mosse on Lalas’ “State of the Union” podcast. During the interview, Mosse asked Heather where she ranks Rapinoe among the all-time best USWNT players. In response, O’Reilly humorously stated that as she and Rapinoe played in the same position so it would be difficult for her to bump herself out.

Nonetheless, O’Reilly continued, “She had a better career than me at the wing position. I can say it, and I’ve come to peace with that.”

“I would say, top 10. Top 10 for Megan Rapinoe, and I think that her footballing gets a little bit underappreciated. She was a hell of a player,” Heather concluded. O’Reilly mentioned that many tend to downplay Rapinoe’s goal-scoring ability by emphasizing her penalty scoring.

But O’Reilly acknowledged Rapinoe is very talented. “What she did in her thirties is, I think, what really impressed me the most. She wasn’t always the fittest and hardest-working player at training.”

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The North Carolina Courage star admitted being irritated because while she used to put more effort and time, Rapinoe made it “look easy.” O’Reilly insisted something changed in Rapinoe in the last 10 years and “she recommitted to her craft.”

Nevertheless, these were some heartwarming words from the USWNT legend. Meanwhile, let’s talk about Rapinoe’s end of her international career.

A chapter closes in Rapinoe’s life

It is the end of an era for both USWNT and Rapinoe. The OL Reign star’s journey with her country comes to an end.

Notably, she concludes her career with a remarkable tally of 203 appearances, including 63 goals and 73 assists. Furthermore, she received a special jersey marked with the number 203 before playing her final game.

Rapinoe’s family and her fiancée, Sue Bird, joined her on the field, presenting her with a bouquet of flowers to honor her last match.

Although Rapinoe may have retired her USWNT jersey, her legacy is destined to endure for generations to come. Undoubtedly, she will be remembered as one of the greatest figures in the history of the USWNT.

READ MORE: “Squad Is in Very, Very Good Hands” – Retiring Megan Rapinoe Labels 3 Players to Succeed at USWNT After Her Exit