“Don’t Wish I Could Take It Back”: Megan Rapinoe Opened Up on Recovering From 3 Gruesome ACL Injuries

Megan Rapinoe is the USWNT superstar. She led USWNT to their fourth World Cup title in 2019. Moreover, she was also declared as the best player of the tournament, and got awarded with the Golden Ball. In spite of all the challenges Rapinoe faced during her journey, she always came out on top to be a champion for the team. The legendary soccer star, played a crucial role in every big tournament she has been a part of.

However, many people do not know that Rapinoe has faced three ACL tears during her career. It happened twice at the beginning of her career, whereas another injury happened before the 2019 World Cup. Interestingly, Rapinoe has a unique way of looking at the injuries she has had.

The first two torn ACLs that Megan Rapinoe endured

Megan Rapinoe faced her first ACL tear in 2006. She was having a great time at the University Sophomore season, when she suffered a tear in her left ACL. However, after completing a long rehab process, she started again, but unfortunately, soon after, the same ACL tore again.

In 2009, Rapinoe told the U.S. Soccer Official website, “I know this sounds weird, but getting hurt was one of the best things that ever happened to me.” 

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To support this statement, she further added, “It really gave me a different perspective. The injury grounded me in a lot of different ways. The rehab process makes you stronger on all fronts, mentally and physically. I feel stronger and a better person for it. I would never wish it on anyone, but I don’t wish I could take it back.”

The final ACL tear after the 2015 World Cup

The third tear happened nearly nine years after the first two tears. USWNT won the 2015 FIFA World Cup earlier in July, whereas Rapinoe tore her ACL in December. This could be a tougher one as she had also aged with time affecting her body. However, as it’s said, your attitude towards your problem will determine how big the problem is. Megan made it look easier than it was. 

During the injury, Megan said, “I’ll be doing everything I can to get healthy as soon as possible. This is obviously a very difficult time, but I do feel super confident in my recovery as I’ve gone through this before and I know what the process will be like.”  Not only she recovered from her third ACL injury, but she also won the Golden Ball in her next World Cup in 2019. 

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Rapinoe is one of the senior players in the team right now. And she did her job with brilliance. A senior player plays a big role in keeping the morale and enthusiasm high of the young players. Rapinoe has undoubtedly succeeded in that and moreover, the other players respect and love Rapinoe. Even after getting injured again and again, she never let the injuries end her career.