Megan

Rapinoe

Quick Facts

• Position: Forward

Biographical Information

Megan Rapinoe is a retired soccer player, well known for playmaking skills and expertise in free kicks. Rapinoe is a World Cup champion, Olympic gold medalist and an inductee into the Shasta County Sports Hall of Fame. She joined the National Women’s Soccer Team in 2006 and has played over 200 international matches.

In 2019, she and her teammates were honored with a ticker-tape parade in New York City and celebrated in Seattle for their World Cup win. Rapinoe's final season in 2023 was marked by a record attendance at her last Seattle Reign home match, where a special ceremony was held to honor her illustrious career.

Rapinoe began playing soccer at age three, inspired by her older brother. Today, she is renowned for her advocacy in LGBTQ+ rights, racial equality and gender equity. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and wrote an autobiography "One Life," a New York Times bestseller. She is also the subject of an upcoming Netflix documentary about her team's journey during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. She secured numerous endorsements, aligning with brands that share her values and commitment to social impact

Olympic Highlights

Rapinoe's Olympic history is marked by memorable moments that established her as a key player for the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT). 

The USWNT dominated the tournament in the London 2012 Olympic Games, winning all their games. She led the team with four assists and scored three goals, including an assist on Carli Lloyd's second goal in the final match. Rapinoe became the first player to score directly from a corner kick (Olimpico) twice in the Olympics.

During the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the USWNT finished third after losing to Canada in the semifinals, ultimately winning the bronze medal. Rapinoe showcased her continued set-piece expertise by scoring a memorable goal directly from a corner kick against Australia in the bronze medal match.

Club Highlights

In the inaugural season of Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) in 2009, Megan Rapinoe emerged as a standout player for the Chicago Red Stars. Because of the league’s instability, Philadelphia Independence and MagicJack.

Rapinoe expanded her horizons by joining Sydney FC then went on to play for the Seattle Sounders Women.

She moved to France to join a dominant team in Europe, contributing eight goals in 28 matches across various competitions then returned to the United States to play for the Seattle Reign before completing her second season with Lyon.

With Seattle Reign in 2013, she became the team's leading scorer with numerous accolades, including the NWSL Player of the Week and Month honors. Under her co-captaincy in 2021, Rapinoe scored six goals, solidifying her status as a Reign legend. Her tenure culminated in winning the NWSL Shield in 2014 and multiple playoff appearances.

Early Career

Rapinoe's collegiate career at the University of Portland laid the groundwork for her professional success. During her freshman year, Rapinoe played a pivotal role in the Portland Pilots' undefeated season and NCAA Championship victory. Her knack for scoring and assisting earned her Freshman of the Year honors and All-American recognition. Rapinoe scored 25 goals and 15 assists in two seasons. Her resilience and skill earned her West Coast Conference Player of the Year accolades and continued national recognition.

Olympic Experience

• 3-time Olympian; 2-time Olympic medalist (1 gold, 1 bronze)
  • Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, bronze (Team - Women)
  • Olympic Games Rio de Janeiro 2016, 5th (Team - Women)
  • Olympic Games London 2012, gold (Team - Women)

World Championships Experience

• Most recent: 2023 – 9th (Team - Women)
• Years of participation: Team - Women 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023
• Medals: 3 (2 gold, 1 silver)
  • Gold – 2019 (Team - Women); 2015 (Team - Women)
  • Silver – 2011 (Team - Women)