Retiring soccer star Megan Rapinoe was honored by her club team, OL Reign, on Friday night in front of a record-breaking crowd of 34,130 fans. The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) witnessed this historic moment as many fans wore pink wigs in Rapinoe’s honor. The event took place at Lumen Field, the home stadium of the Reign.
Accompanied by her family and fiancée Sue Bird, Rapinoe started for the Reign in a scoreless draw against the Washington Spirit. The stadium’s public address system played “Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone” as Rapinoe stepped onto the field alongside her teammates.
During an interview, Rapinoe expressed her gratitude and joy for the overwhelming support she received. She mentioned the signs and pink wigs in the crowd, emphasizing the impact those gestures had on her.
This game marked Rapinoe’s final regular-season home match for the Reign. Although she played her last game with the United States women’s national team last month in Chicago, there is still one more game left in her club career. The Reign will conclude their season on the road next week against the Chicago Red Stars.
Teammate Lauren Barnes praised Rapinoe’s positive impact and the joy she brings to the game. A video was played before the match featuring well-wishes from notable figures such as Abby Wambach, Ken Griffey Jr., and Magic Johnson.
Rapinoe’s statistics with the Reign are impressive, having played 114 regular-season games and scored 49 goals. Her influence extends beyond the field, as she has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights, LGBTQIA+ issues, and racial equality. Rapinoe was instrumental in the fight for equal pay between the men’s and women’s national teams.
The NWSL also recognized Rapinoe’s impact, and Commissioner Jessica Berman expressed hope that Rapinoe would continue to play a role in the league’s future.
As she bids farewell to the soccer world, Rapinoe reflected on her career and the significance behind using her platform for social justice causes. She emphasized the importance of leaving a positive impact on society and making a difference in people’s lives.
This farewell to Rapinoe as she retires from professional soccer has been celebrated throughout the soccer community. The NWSL tweeted a video commemorating her legendary career, acknowledging her pivotal role in changing the game of soccer forever.
Megan Rapinoe’s legacy as a star athlete and advocate for social justice will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations on and off the field.