Women’s soccer stalwart Megan Rapinoe played in her final professional match of her career in the final of the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League, turning out for Seattle’s OL Reign at the Snapdragon Stadium, in San Diego, California, on Saturday, 11 November 2023.
Unfortunately her final match didn’t go as planned, coming to an abrupt halt after she was injured in the opening minutes of the match and had to leave the field due to injury, and as fate would have it, the final of the NWSL was won 2-1 by Gotham FC, which means Rapinoe won’t be able to add that title to her illustrious trophy cabinet.
“Worst possible outcome. Thank God I have a **** deep sense of humor. But yeah, I mean, just obviously devastating to go out in the final so early,” Rapinoe said on goal.com.
Rapinoe went on to say to goal.com that despite how things ended for her she still feels immensely proud of her soccer career.
“This is a tough one, not how I envisioned this last one going. Pretty sure I tore my Achilles. [But] I’m so proud of the group. Obviously they left everything out there, so deserving to Gotham, they’ve had such a great year.”
“Thank you to everyone who’s been on the journey for all this time, it’s been amazing. Besides this, I couldn’t have written it any different, just super proud of my whole career and really thankful for all that it’s given me and for how long I’ve been able to play, so, even though it was a tough night it was amazing and I’m so thankful to be here and – again – I’m so proud of our group and congrats to Gotham.”
Iconic Footballer Megan Rapinoe’s Professional Soccer Careers Ends
Rapinoe said goodbye to the international stage back in September when the USA faced Banyana and won 2-0.
Looking back her career, Rapinoe can be seen as the epitome of a trailblazer who is well-known for fighting for equal rights on and off the field.
Back in 2019, she and 27 other players from the US Women’s National Team famously filed a lawsuit against the United States Soccer Federation as they looked to secure equal pay for the team.
Rapinoe also kneeled during the national anthem of a USA game to show solidarity with NFL player Colin Kaepernick.
She also has an illustrious trail of success over the years.
Rapinoe was part of three Women’s World Cup tournament and she was a winner in 2015 and 2019. At the 2019 edition she became the oldest player to score at the age of 34 years and 2 days old when the US beat the Netherlands in the final 2-0.
She also has a Olympic gold medal, which she won in 2012 and then followed up with a bronze in 2019.
2019 was quite the year for Rapinoe who also won the Best FIFA Women’s Player, FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Boot, FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Ball, as well as the Ballon d’Or Féminin.
It’s safe to say the Rapinoe has more than done her fair share of advocacy on and of the field. Added to her accolade haul, it’s something that should be celebrated.
Thank you for the memories Pinoe, your legacy is one that won’t be forgotten!
Photo caption: Women’s soccer stalwart Megan Rapinoe signing out. The footballer played her final professional match of her career on Saturday, 11 November 2023. Photo: Megan Rapinoe on Instagram
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