In the world of women’s soccer, Megan Rapinoe is a name that needs no introduction. Known for her exceptional skills on the field and her outspoken advocacy off it, Rapinoe has left an indelible mark on the sport. In this article, we’ll delve into her career, her recent injury, and why she’s a polarizing figure to some.
Introduction
Megan Rapinoe remains active in professional soccer, playing for OL Reign in the NWSL and contributing significantly to the United States women’s national soccer team. However, a recent injury has cast a shadow over her career. Let’s explore what happened and more about this iconic athlete.
What Happened To Megan Rapinoe?
OL Reign’s Megan Rapinoe, a revered player in the USWNT and NWSL, faced a heartbreaking moment as she sustained an injury within just three minutes of the NWSL final against Gotham FC. The injury, occurring without contact, forced her to leave the pitch early with a lower-leg issue, prompting concern from teammates like Rose Lavelle and the team’s medical staff.
Despite walking off the field with assistance, Rapinoe seemed uncomfortable. This unfortunate injury came in what was supposed to be her final career match, leading to speculation that retirement might soon follow the conclusion of this significant final. Sadly, Rapinoe had to watch the game from the sidelines after being taken out of the contest due to the injury.
Who is Megan Rapinoe?
Megan Rapinoe, born on July 5, 1985, is a former professional soccer player known for her time as a winger for OL Reign in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States national team. She achieved various accolades in her career, including winning the Ballon d’Or Féminin and The Best FIFA Women’s Player in 2019.
Rapinoe played a significant role in the success of the US national team, securing gold at the 2012 London Summer Olympics, the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
| Full name | Megan Anna Rapinoe |
| Date of birth | July 5, 1985 (age 38) |
| Place of birth | Redding, California, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Position(s) | Midfielder, winger |
| Youth career | Elk Grove Pride (2002–2005) |
| College career | Portland Pilots (2005–2008) |
| Senior career | Various clubs (2009–2023) |
| International career | United States (2003–2023) |
| Medal record | Domestic and national achievements |
Megan Rapinoe Age
Megan Rapinoe, the esteemed soccer player and vocal advocate, was born on July 5, 1985. As of November 15, 2023, she is 38 years old. Throughout her illustrious career, Rapinoe has displayed incredible athleticism, skill, and leadership, leaving an indelible mark on the world of soccer.
Beyond her sporting achievements, she’s become a prominent figure known for her outspokenness on important social issues, including gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial justice. Despite her age, Rapinoe continues to inspire both on and off the field, remaining a powerful force in advocating for positive change and progress.
Megan Rapinoe Family
Megan Rapinoe grew up in Redding, California, with her parents, Jim and Denise, and five siblings, including her twin sister Rachael. Denise and Jim raised seven children together, some from Denise’s previous marriage. Rapinoe’s family has a military background, with both her father and grandfather serving in the Army.
She has Italian and Irish ancestry. Megan admired her older brother Brian and began playing soccer at the age of three because of him. However, Brian struggled with drug abuse, leading to incarceration and periods in various prisons. Inspired by Megan’s success in soccer, Brian worked hard to overcome his drug addiction.
During high school, instead of playing soccer at Foothill High School, Rapinoe joined the Elk Grove Pride club team. She was also active in track, and basketball, and consistently made the honor roll. In college at the University of Portland, Rapinoe made an impressive impact as a freshman by helping her team win the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship.
However, her college career faced challenges due to two season-ending ACL injuries. Despite these setbacks, she made a strong comeback in her final college year, earning several accolades and choosing to enter the Women’s Professional Soccer Draft, ending her college soccer career with remarkable achievements.
Megan Rapinoe Career
Megan Rapinoe played professional soccer in different teams from 2009 to 2023. She began with the Chicago Red Stars in the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) league and showcased her skills by scoring two goals and assisting three times in her first season. In 2010, she joined the Philadelphia Independence, then later moved to MagicJack, scoring two goals in eight regular appearances.
The league later suspended operations in 2012. Rapinoe also played for Sydney FC in the Australian W-League and joined the Seattle Sounders Women in preparation for the 2012 Olympics.
From 2013 to 2014, she played for Olympique Lyonnais in France and scored goals while contributing to the team’s performance in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Returning to the U.S., she joined Seattle Reign FC, significantly impacting the team’s gameplay and scoring five goals in her debut season despite joining midway.
Throughout her time with Seattle Reign FC, she continued to contribute to the team’s success, scoring goals and helping the team win the regular season title in 2014.
Rapinoe’s international career has been noteworthy, starting with her debut for the U.S. national team in 2006. She played pivotal roles in tournaments like the FIFA Women’s World Cup, including the dramatic 2011 quarterfinal match against Brazil, where her cross led to a last-minute goal, and the 2012 London Olympics, where she helped the U.S win gold. She continued her impactful performances, contributing significantly to the team’s success in subsequent World Cups and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
However, she also faced challenges, including injuries that forced her to miss tournaments. Despite these setbacks, Rapinoe’s career has been marked by her exceptional play, earning her awards, accolades, and recognition as one of the most influential players in women’s soccer history.
Why is Megan Rapinoe Hated?
Megan Rapinoe might face criticism or dislike from some people for various reasons. Some might disagree with her outspokenness about social and political issues, including her support for LGBTQIA+ rights and activism.
Additionally, her public comments or actions could spark disagreement or discomfort among those who hold different beliefs or views. Rapinoe’s visibility and vocal stance on certain topics might polarize opinions, leading to differing perspectives and some people feeling negative towards her due to these reasons.
FAQs
- What happened to Megan Rapinoe? Megan Rapinoe continues to play professional soccer. As of now, she’s actively involved with OL Reign in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States women’s national soccer team.
- What is Megan Rapinoe’s Wiki? Megan Rapinoe’s Wikipedia page is an encyclopedia entry detailing her life, career, achievements, activism, and personal background.
- Why is Megan Rapinoe hated by some? Megan Rapinoe’s vocal advocacy for social justice and LGBTQ+ rights, combined with her public criticism of certain political figures and stances, has generated controversy, leading to divided opinions about her.
- Is Megan Rapinoe still playing soccer professionally? Yes, Megan Rapinoe is still actively playing professional soccer with OL Reign in the NWSL and remains a prominent figure in the sport.
- What are some notable achievements of Megan Rapinoe? Megan Rapinoe is known for her impressive soccer career, winning multiple championships, including two FIFA Women’s World Cups (2015, 2019), and earning numerous accolades for her performance and leadership on the field.
Conclusion
Megan Rapinoe’s journey in soccer has been nothing short of remarkable. From her early days in California to becoming an international soccer icon, she has achieved tremendous success and continues to be a voice for change. While some may criticize her, there’s no denying the impact she’s had both on and off the field.
