Megan Rapinoe announced her plan to retire from professional football following the end of the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League season.
The record-breaking forward will participate in her fourth and final World Cup with the US women’s national team in July and August, before finishing the second half of the NWSL campaign to end her career.
"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. 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," said Rapinoe.
"I want to thank my family for being by my side all these years. Thanks to all my teammates and coaches all the way back to my first days in Redding, on to college at the University of Portland and of course thanks to U.S. Soccer, the Seattle Reign and especially Sue, for everything. I will forever cherish the friendships and support over the years in this game, and I am beyond excited for one last ride with the National Team and the Reign."
Rapinoe kicked off her career in 2009 after being selected second overall in the Women’s Professional Soccer draft by the Chicago Red Stars. She went on to see stints with Sydney FC, Seattle Sounders women, Olympique Lyonnais and OL Reign to rack up 66 goals in 188 club appearances.
Internationally, the forward has become a staple for the USWNT since debuting in 2006 during a friendly against Ireland. She propelled the American team to the gold medal in the 2012 London Olympics before scoring in consecutive World Cup finals to lift the 2015 and 2019 trophies.
She currently boasts 199 appearances for the Stars and Stripes in the span of 17 years, and is set to become the 14th U.S. player in history to reach 200 caps.
"Megan Rapinoe is one of the most important players in women’s soccer history and a personality like no other," said U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Vlatko Andonovski.
"She has produced so many memorable moments for her team and the fans on the field that will be remembered for a very long time, but her impact on people as a human being may be even more important. It’s been a wonderful experience to coach her in the NWSL and for the National Team and I’m looking forward to her being an important part of our team at the World Cup."
While breaking records on the field, the player has also worked to revolutionize women’s football off the field. Rapinoe has been a voice for equality and LGBTQ+ rights, fighting alongside USWNT teammates for equal pay and players’ rights.
This article was originally published on 90min as Megan Rapinoe to retire following 2023 NWSL season .