Megan Rapinoe is more than a soccer superstar. Known for her World Cup triumphs, bold activism, and cultural impact, she has inspired millions worldwide. These fascinating details about Megan Rapinoe highlight her journey from the field to global influence.
Megan Rapinoe
In 2022, Rapinoe received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States’ highest civilian honor.
Megan Rapinoe began playing soccer at just three years old alongside her twin sister Rachael, who also pursued the sport.
She made her international debut for the U.S. Women’s National Team in 2006 against Ireland.
Rapinoe is famous for her precise crosses, especially her 2011 World Cup assist to Abby Wambach, considered one of the greatest plays in U.S. soccer history.
She was the first openly gay woman to pose in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, breaking barriers in representation.
Rapinoe has won two World Cup titles, in 2015 and 2019, cementing her as one of soccer’s all-time greats.
In 2019, she won both the Golden Ball (best player) and Golden Boot (top scorer) at the World Cup.
She is widely recognized for speaking out on social and political issues, particularly gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights.
Rapinoe co-founded the lifestyle and fashion brand Re–Inc with teammates Christen Press, Tobin Heath, and Meghan Klingenberg.
During the 2012 London Olympics, she scored an Olympic “Olimpico” goal directly from a corner kick, a rare feat in soccer.
She was awarded the Ballon d’Or Féminin in 2019, given to the world’s best female player.
Rapinoe served as an ambassador for Athlete Ally, an organization advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports.
She has also been an advocate for equal pay, leading the U.S. team’s landmark fight for pay equity with U.S. Soccer.
Megan Rapinoe got engaged to basketball star Sue Bird in 2020, and they are one of sports’ most high-profile power couples.
She announced 2023 would be her final professional season, closing her career with impact both on and off the field.
