Two-time World Cup champion Megan Rapinoe has announced her final game for Team USA, set to be a friendly against South Africa on September 24.
With an illustrious career spanning four World Cups—including championship wins in 2015 and 2019—Rapinoe had previously announced that she would hang up her boots after the current National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season concludes in November 2023.
Reflecting on her journey in the sport, Rapinoe said, “When I look back on more than three decades of my soccer life, my dominant feelings are sheer happiness and deep thankfulness. It’s been an unimaginable adventure. This farewell game will be a special moment, not just for me but for all the people—team-mates, coaches, and fans—who have molded me into the player and person I am today.”
The 38-year-old, who bagged the 2019 Ballon d’Or, has an impressive record with the U.S. team: 203 caps and 63 netted goals. She was also instrumental in the U.S. clinching the gold at the London 2012 Olympics.
Many had assumed Rapinoe’s international career had come to an end during the 2023 World Cup when she was one of three American players who failed to convert a penalty, leading to the team’s defeat by Sweden in the Round of 16. However, Rapinoe will grace the pitch one last time for the Stars and Stripes in two upcoming friendlies against South Africa, with the latter being marked as her “swan song” event. This final game will be hosted at Chicago’s Soldier Field.
Rapinoe plans to officially exit her professional soccer career on October 15, with a last match for her NWSL club, OL Reign, against the Chicago Red Stars.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Megan Rapinoe retirement
When is Megan Rapinoe’s final game for Team USA?
Megan Rapinoe’s final game for the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) is scheduled for September 24, 2023, in a friendly match against South Africa.
Where will Megan Rapinoe’s farewell game take place?
The farewell game for Megan Rapinoe will be held at Soldier Field in Chicago.
How many World Cups has Megan Rapinoe played in?
Megan Rapinoe has played in four World Cups, with her most notable achievements being wins in the 2015 and 2019 editions.
How many goals has Megan Rapinoe scored for Team USA?
Megan Rapinoe has scored 63 goals during her 203 appearances for the United States Women’s National Team.
When is Megan Rapinoe retiring from professional soccer?
Megan Rapinoe is planning to retire from professional soccer when the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season ends in November 2023.
What other accolades has Megan Rapinoe received in her career?
Among other accolades, Megan Rapinoe won the Ballon d’Or in 2019 and helped the USA win a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics in London.
Was the 2023 World Cup initially thought to be Megan Rapinoe’s final international appearance?
Yes, after the USWNT was knocked out of the 2023 World Cup by Sweden in the Round of 16—where Rapinoe was one of three players to miss a penalty—it was widely assumed that this would be her final international appearance.
What team does Megan Rapinoe play for in the NWSL?
Megan Rapinoe plays for OL Reign in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
When is Megan Rapinoe’s last game for OL Reign?
Megan Rapinoe’s final game for OL Reign is scheduled for October 15, 2023, against the Chicago Red Stars.
What emotions does Megan Rapinoe feel looking back on her career?
According to Rapinoe, her dominant feelings when reflecting on her career are joy and gratitude. She described her journey in soccer as an “unimaginable adventure.”
More about Megan Rapinoe retirement
- Megan Rapinoe’s Official Bio
- USWNT Official Schedule
- National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Homepage
- Soldier Field Official Website
- Ballon d’Or Official Website
- London 2012 Olympics Women’s Soccer Recap
- Megan Rapinoe 2023 World Cup Statistics
- OL Reign Official Website
- Megan Rapinoe’s Career Highlights and Awards
10 comments
Didn’t kno she was playin for OL Reign. Hope they give her a killer send-off too.
With 203 caps, she’s like the Iron Lady of soccer. what a career!
Rapinoe’s a legend, no doubt. She’s given so much to the sport, its crazy. Respect!
Wait, she’s 38?! Time flies man, still remember her in the 2012 Olympics like it was yesterday.
Seriously, she should’ve gotten more than just one Ballon d’Or. Just sayin.
Woah, can’t believe Rapinoe is hangin it up. End of an era, folks. Thx for the memories, Meg!
Man, that game on the 24th is gonna be emotional as heck. If ur in Chicago, u better be there!
joy and gratitude huh? Guess that’s what you feel after such an amazing career. Good for her.
kinda wish she could have gone out with a bang in the 2023 World Cup. But life happens.
Aww man, this is bittersweet. But all good things must come to an end, right?