A bombshell news has hit US soccer. One emotional penned-down message from the USWNT superstar sent the fans into shockwaves. But what surprised fans more was the timing. With just 13 days to go for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Megan Rapinoe announced she is retiring from soccer in a heartfelt message over Twitter.
The American sports icon is an inspiration for many. The OL Reign forward will be known for her progressive thoughts apart from her on-field heroics that helped USWNT win several trophies, including two World Cups. Fans have taken over social media to show their gratitude to Rapinoe for her contribution.
Megan Rapinoe to retire from professional soccer
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Every great story comes to an end. And it seems Rapinoe has chosen the pinnacle soccer tournament in Australia and New Zealand to hang her boots. From coming out as gay to fighting for equal pay to unique celebrations, Rapinoe has left an indelible mark on soccer.
Out of nowhere, Rapinoe penned down an emotional post on Twitter. She wrote, “It is with a deep sense of peace & gratitude that I have decided this will be my final season playing this beautiful game. I never could have imagined the ways in which soccer would shape & change my life forever, but by the look on this little girl’s face, she knew all along.”
Rapinoe will retire at the end of the NWSL season. What an illustrious career she had. Approaching 200 games with USWNT, Rapinoe won the World Cup with USWNT and would hope to win her third trophy in her last outing with the national team. The FIFA Ballon d’Or winner had ups and downs in her soccer journey, but she never stopped.
Her role in getting equal pay was remarkable. Also, she never refrained from voicing out her displeasure on certain things. It resulted in some feuds. But that didn’t stop her from expressing her stance for the great cause. It would be the end of an era when the regular NWSL season ends. However, her decision has left many soccer fans in disbelief.
Fans show gratitude toward Rapinoe
The fans are in disbelief. One of those fans wrote, “Inarguably one of the greatest soccer players ever and one of the best athletes. Thank you, Megan Rapinoe, aka Captain America.” On the other hand, one fan labeled her the voice of the voiceless, as she stood for many social causes beyond the soccer field.
Inarguably one of the greatest soccer players ever and one of the best athletes.
Thank you, Megan Rapinoe aka Captain America 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 https://t.co/r9QLpxmd0i— Shawn Quixote (@ShawnIsBald) July 8, 2023
A voice for the voiceless. Numbers to match. Love her or hate, Rapinoe has been what women’s sport has needed! https://t.co/7CApaqjCPs
— Sanani Mangisa (@SananiMangisa) July 8, 2023
The fans also thanked the superstar for her contribution to women’s soccer. Many labeled it as immense.
Thank you for what you’ve done for women’s soccer on and off the field
🩷❤️🧡💛⚽️💚🩵💙💜 #NWSL #OLreign https://t.co/aprUJdOw2y— ℕ𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕞𝕓𝕖𝕣’𝕤 𝕍𝕖𝕣𝕪 𝕆𝕨𝕟 (@_noblestrength_) July 8, 2023
What Megan Rapinoe has done for women's soccer, soccer in America, & the world of athletics is immense. Thank you for being you. https://t.co/68B1S42hbP
— Eric Wahl (@ziplamak) July 8, 2023
Fans also hailed the USWNT forward for her career and the leadership she has shown throughout.
❤️ an incredible playing career and leader 👏👏👏 #YouCanPlay https://t.co/CycXe7s5Uz
— David Palumbo (@palumboTO) July 8, 2023
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A truly fantastic athlete I can say I had the honour of watching play.
Best of luck in retirement 🇺🇸 ⚽️ https://t.co/MnXWTFFAvG
— Ellie (@Ellie_DW) July 8, 2023
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She might not take the field again but will keep fighting for social causes and will also contribute to women’s soccer in some other way. Let us know your favorite Megan Rapinoe memory for USWNT.
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