‘’Tried to Emulate Everything He Did’’: ‘Hero’ Michael Jordan Had a Huge Impact on USWNT Icon Megan Rapinoe’s Career

School life will always be incomplete without us writing that crucial essay on “My Idol.” Growing up as kids, there was always that special person we aspired to be like! And Megan Rapinoe was no different. The soccer legend can now be an inspiration to many, but when she was a young kid, there was one special person who was her inspiration.

Reminiscing her childhood days, back in 2019, in a special episode of “Sneaker Shopping,” the fans get to see the fun side of their favorite soccer star. However, it’s not just Megan’s obsession with sneakers that catches the attention, but a very special person that Rapinoe has her sentiments attached to.

The idol whom Rapinoe praises

Traveling back in time, the soccer star reveals one of the ‘best moments of her life.’ A huge Michael Jordan fan, Megan was just a little girl when she got her “Concord” Air Jordan 11s sneakers. Getting the special sneakers, she was over the moon!

Speaking about her childhood hero, she quoted, “Michael Jordan was my hero.” Such was her devotion that she had Jordan’s “life-size cardboard, ripped posters from Sports Illustrated pages.” Jordan so inspired the little girl that she even “tried to emulate everything he did!”

Read More: “I Would Rip the Pages Out”: USWNT Star Megan Rapinoe Recalled Her Inspirational Obsession With Six-Time NBA Finals MVP Growing Up

As a young kid, she was thus delighted to receive the sneakers. However, it’s not just the ‘sneakers’ that make Megan happy. Perhaps the fact that she, too, made a name for herself was something she felt proud of. Much like her idol, Megan has worked hard enough to be an inspiration for others.

Another essential attribute that Megan Rapinoe takes after her idol

Michael Jordan has influenced Megan in multiple ways. In an interview with ‘The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon,’ the USWNT star opened up about Jordan’s “On-court charisma that paved the way for her career.”

However, it’s not just his on-court presence that influenced Megan. Jordan’s entertaining personality also influenced her. She added, “He is an athlete, but he is entertaining everyone in this way that we hadn’t seen before.”

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If Michael had proved his dominance on the court, Megan also proved her worth on the field. From being a Jordan fan to being followed by millions, Rapinoe undeniably has come a long way.