August 30 – Women’s footballing icon Megan Rapinoe will play her final game for the United States on September 24 in a friendly against South Africa in Chicago.
Rapinoe, 38, announced last month before the Women’s World Cup that she would retire when the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season ends in November.
The veteran forward played in four World Cups, winning in 2015 and 2019, and helped the US to Olympic gold in 2012.
She was one of three American players to miss her spot-kick when the US were knocked out by Sweden on penalties in the last 16 stage of this year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
“People may think that my career coming to an end would bring sadness, but when I think back on the past 30-plus years of playing this game, my overriding emotions are joy and gratitude,” Rapinoe said in a statement issued by USSF.
“It’s been an unbelievable ride. It will be special to have this one last opportunity to play for my country … and get the chance to thank my teammates and everyone who has had an impact on me as a person and player over the years.”
Rapinoe, who has won 203 caps, has been a staunch advocate for LGBT+ rights and equal pay in women’s football and last year was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honour, by Joe Biden.
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