Megan Rapinoe, a great US attacker, ended her glittering international career on Sunday in Chicago as the USA defeated South Africa 2-0.
Standing ovations from the Soldier Field crowd greeted Rapinoe’s substitution after the first 54 minutes of the game, which she had started.
Rapinoe led the USA in their final game while also contributing an assist. When Rapinoe’s corner kick found Emily Sonnett early in the second half and she scored with a header, the fans exploded.
Prior to the 2023 FIFA World Cup, she had stated that she will stop playing football after the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season.
So intimidating. Rapinoe expressed her gratitude for the welcome she received at the friendly match on Sunday.
It has been so amazing to hear all the kind remarks, to have a closure moment, and to perform in front of a large audience once more, she continued.
“I’ll always miss it. Although it’s not quite flawless now, I don’t think I’ll ever reach that state.
The 38-year-old made her international debut for the USA in 2006, and during the course of her illustrious career, she amassed 63 goals, 73 assists, and 203 caps.
In 2015 and 2019, she was also the World Cup champion.
The 2012 London Olympics gold medalist for the United States of America was the 2019 Ballon d’Or winner. She also represented her nation at four World Cups.
After Sunday’s victory, an emotional Rapinoe struggled to hold back tears as she thanked the crowd for their steadfast support over the previous 17 years during her goodbye speech.
I feel like I’ve been able to mature in front of all of you, the woman remarked.
“It has been such an honor to be able to play with all these incredible players, wear this shirt, and just live out my childhood dream in front of the world, casually,” the player said.
The 2019 Ballon d’Or winner was the American who won the gold medal at the London Olympics in 2012. Additionally, she competed for her country in four World Cups.
Rapinoe gave her farewell statement after Sunday’s victory and fought to control her tears as she thanked the crowd for their unwavering support over the previous 17 years.
The woman said, “I feel like I’ve been able to mature in front of all of you.”
The player stated, “Playing with all these fantastic players, wearing this shirt, and just living out my boyhood goal in front of the world, casually, has been such an honor.
Rapinoe also said, “We fought so hard off the field to continue to create more space for ourselves to be who we are, but hopefully, in turn, more space for you guys to be who you are.
“I’m not going to go away forever. Don’t worry. I’m one of you guys now.”
Rapinoe is set to officially retire from professional football on October 15, when her club, NWSL side OL Reign, plays their final game of the season at the Chicago Red Stars.
