![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1582876945.jpg?width=600)
via Getty
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 06: Megan Rapinoe of USA training before Sweden plays USA at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 06, 2023. (Photo credit should read Chris Putnam/Future Publishing via Getty Images)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1582876945.jpg?width=600)
via Getty
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 06: Megan Rapinoe of USA training before Sweden plays USA at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 06, 2023. (Photo credit should read Chris Putnam/Future Publishing via Getty Images)
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
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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.”
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via Imago
Soccer: FIFA Women s World Cup-USA at Sweden Aug 6, 2023 Melbourne, AUS United States forward Megan Rapinoe 15 attempts but misses her shot in the penalty kick shootout during a Round of 16 match in the 2023 FIFA Women s World Cup at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. Melbourne Melbourne Rectangular Stadium AUSTRALIA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJennaxWatsonx 20230806_jel_usa_121
“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.”
Watch This Story: Megan Rapinoe Unveiled Her Super Effective Wellness Routine
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.”
Where do you rank Megan Rapinoe among the all-time best @USWNT players? 🇺🇸@HeatherOReilly joins @StatManMosse and @AlexiLalas as they discuss the ICONIC winger's legacy for the United States ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Yy6O27DAc3
— Alexi Lalas' State of the Union Podcast (@SOTUWithAlexi) September 26, 2023
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
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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.
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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.