Two-time FIFA World Cup Champion and 2019 Women’s Golden Ball Winner Megan Rapinoe will retire at the end of the 2023 NWSL season, she announced on Saturday. Here’s what you need to know:
AthleticInstant Analysis:
What makes Robinho such a unique player?
Rapinoe was a rare player. At the height of his career, he was a creative force who could deliver game-changing balls from his position on the wing. Her iconic 122nd-minute pass to Abby Wambach against Brazil in 2011 helped put the U.S. women’s national team in the world’s eyes, and Robineau has taken full advantage of advocating for off-field issues, including equal pay. Racial justice.
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When he came out publicly as gay before the 2012 Olympics in Out magazine, he helped create a cultural moment in sports, contributing to the current momentum for greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ athletes in the United States. When he followed in Colin Kaepernick’s footsteps and became the first white athlete to kneel during the US national anthem in 2016, he helped force U.S. Soccer to confront their own policies regarding anti-sportsmanship and internal values, with the federation banning kneeling in 2017. A direct response to Robineau, then Abolish the policy in 2020 “An apology to our black players and supporters.”
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Rapinoe’s outspokenness on issues like sexism, homophobia and racism has helped shift the “safe” transition for players to engage in based on public image, proving that, at least for top players, public advocacy has a way to navigate. For human rights issues while representing the United States – which
What did Robinho say?
“I want to thank everyone, you, Vladko (Antonovski), US Soccer, everyone I played with, all my coaches. I can’t imagine where this beautiful game would have taken me. I feel proud to have been able to represent this country and this federation for so many years. It’s truly the greatest thing I’ve ever done, and I’m very grateful,” Rapinoe said during a news conference Saturday.
“I want to soak up every moment and share it with teammates and friends and family and share it with the rest of the world. I am very grateful to be able to do it this way.
Later on Saturday, an emotional Crystal Dunn reflected on Robineau’s career and their time together as USWNT teammates.
“(Megan) was an incredible person, human being, friend, teammate.” Dunn told reporters. “I love her so much. She’s been so important to me in my career. … Off the field, she’s absolutely amazing.”
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(Photo: Michael Thomas Shroyer / USA Today)
