Legendary U.S. winger Megan Rapinoe will soon say goodbye to professional soccer. Rapinoe announced her decision on Saturday, saying she will retire at the end of the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League season.
Rapinoe is currently with the United States women’s national team as she prepares for her final World Cup appearance. USWNT is playing in Group E alongside Netherlands, Portugal, and Vietnam.
“I’ve been able to have such an incredible career, and this game has brought me all over the world and allowed me to meet so many amazing people,” said Rapinoe during an emotional press conference. “I feel incredibly grateful to have played as long as I have, to be as successful as we’ve been, and to have been a part of a generation of players who undoubtedly left the game better than they found it. To be able to play one last World Cup and one last NWSL season and go out on my own terms is incredibly special.”
Megan Rapinoe is considered one of the best players in the history of American soccer. She made 199 appearances for USWNT, helping the national side win two World Cups while scoring 63 goals and dishing 73 assists. Rapinoe also had a successful club career that saw her play with Sydney FC, Olympique Lyonnais, and a number of US professional soccer clubs.
Besides her team accomplishments, Rapinoe has a number of individual accolades on her resume. This includes The Best FIFA Women’s Player award, FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Ball, and Ballon d’Or Féminin award.
