Megan Rapinoe facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Megan Rapinoe

Rapinoe with the United States in 2019
Personal information
Full name	Megan Anna Rapinoe
Date of birth	(1985-07-05) July 5, 1985 (age 39)
Place of birth	Redding, California, U.S.
Height	5ft 6in
Playing position	Midfielder, winger
Youth career
2002–2005	Elk Grove Pride
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2009–2010	Chicago Red Stars	38	(3)
2011	Philadelphia Independence	4	(1)
2011	MagicJack	10	(3)
2011	Sydney FC	2	(1)
2012	Seattle Sounders	2	(0)
2013–2014	Lyon	28	(8)
2013–2023	OL Reign	121	(52)
Total		205	(68)
National team‡
2003–2005	United States U20	21	(9)
2006–2023	United States	203	(63)
Honours Women's soccer Representing  United States Olympic Games Gold 2012 London Team Bronze 2020 Tokyo Team FIFA Women's World Cup Winner 2015 Canada Winner 2019 France Runner-up 2011 Germany CONCACAF W Championship Winner 2014 United States Winner 2018 United States Winner 2022 Mexico
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of October 21, 2023. † Appearances (Goals). ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of September 27, 2023

Megan Anna Rapinoe (born July 5, 1985) is a famous American former professional soccer player. She mostly played as a winger. Rapinoe spent much of her career with OL Reign in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). She also played for the United States national team.

In 2019, Rapinoe won the Ballon d'Or Féminin and was named The Best FIFA Women's Player. With the national team, she won gold medals at the 2012 London Summer Olympics, 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, and 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. She also helped the U.S. team finish second at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup. From 2018 to 2020, Rapinoe was a co-captain of the national team.

Rapinoe is known for her creative playing style and her work off the field. During the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, her amazing pass to Abby Wambach led to a game-tying goal in the last minutes against Brazil. This goal helped the U.S. win after a penalty shootout. At the 2012 London Olympics, she scored three goals and had four assists, helping the U.S. win a gold medal. She is also the first player to score a goal directly from a corner kick (called an Olimpico) at the Olympics, doing it twice. In the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, she won the Golden Boot for most goals and the Golden Ball as the best player.

Rapinoe supports many LGBTQIA+ organizations, like GLSEN and Athlete Ally. In 2022, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden. This is one of the highest awards for civilians in the U.S.

Early Life and Youth Soccer

Megan Rapinoe grew up in Redding, California. She lived with her parents, Jim and Denise, and five siblings, including her twin sister, Rachael Rapinoe. Her older brother, Brian, inspired her to start playing soccer at age three.

High School Sports and Honors

Instead of playing soccer for her high school, Rapinoe played for the Elk Grove Pride club team. This team was located south of Sacramento. She also competed in track and basketball during high school. Rapinoe was named an All-American by Parade and the NSCAA in her junior and senior years.

Playing for Elk Grove United

From 2002 to 2005, Rapinoe played for Elk Grove Pride in the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL). Her sister, Rachael, and future national teammate, Stephanie Cox, were also on the team. Rapinoe and her family traveled two-and-a-half hours to play with the team. At the US Youth Soccer National Championships, she scored a goal to tie a game against the Peachtree City Lazers.

College Soccer at Portland Pilots

Rapinoe and her sister attended the University of Portland in Portland, Oregon. They both received full scholarships to play for the Portland Pilots. In 2004, Rapinoe played in the 2004 FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship, where the U.S. team finished third.

In 2005, as a freshman, Rapinoe helped the Pilots have a perfect season and win the NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship. She scored 15 goals and had 13 assists that year. She was recognized as an NSCAA First Team All-American.

In 2006 and 2007, Rapinoe suffered two serious knee injuries (ACL injuries). She worked hard to recover from these injuries. She returned for the 2008 season and helped her team achieve a 20–2 record. She scored five goals and had 13 assists, leading the team in assists. Rapinoe was named West Coast Conference Player of the Year. Even though she could have played another year in college, she decided to enter the Women's Professional Soccer Draft.

Professional Club Career

Early Years in Women's Professional Soccer (WPS)

In 2009, Megan Rapinoe was picked second overall in the 2009 WPS Draft by the Chicago Red Stars. This was for the first season of Women's Professional Soccer (WPS), which was the top soccer league in the U.S. at the time. She played in 17 games for the Red Stars, scoring two goals. In 2010, she played in 19 games and scored one goal.

Rapinoe warming up before a MagicJack match, 2011

In 2011, Rapinoe joined Philadelphia Independence and then was traded to MagicJack. She scored two goals for MagicJack, helping them reach the playoffs. The WPS league later stopped operations in early 2012.

Short Stays in Australia and Seattle

In October 2011, Rapinoe played two games as a guest player for Sydney FC in Australia. She scored a goal in her second game.

In the summer of 2012, Rapinoe played for the Seattle Sounders Women. She joined other national team players like Hope Solo and Alex Morgan. Her presence helped the Sounders sell out many of their home games.

Playing in France with Lyon

Rapinoe with Olympique Lyonnais in 2013

In January 2013, Rapinoe signed with Lyon, a top French team. Lyon had won many French and European titles. She played in six league matches, scoring two goals.

Rapinoe also played in the UEFA Women's Champions League for Lyon. She scored a goal in her first Champions League game. She became the fifth American woman to play in a Champions League final. Lyon lost the final 1–0. In total, she scored eight goals in 28 games for Lyon.

Returning Home to OL Reign

Rapinoe during a match against the Boston Breakers, April 13, 2014

In 2013, Rapinoe joined Seattle Reign FC (now OL Reign) in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Her arrival, along with other key players, helped the team improve a lot. She was the Reign's top scorer with five goals, even though she only played half the season.

In 2014, Rapinoe helped the Reign win the league's regular season title, known as the NWSL Shield. She scored a goal in the playoff semi-final, helping the Reign reach the championship final. They lost the final 2–1.

For the 2015 season, Rapinoe scored her first professional hat trick (three goals in one game) in the first match. She was named the league's Player of the Week.

In September 2019, the Reign honored Rapinoe as a "Reign Legend." In the 2021 season, she scored six goals and was named NWSL Player of the Month in August.

On July 8, 2023, Rapinoe announced she would retire from professional soccer after the 2023 National Women's Soccer League season. Her last home game for OL Reign had a record attendance of 34,130 fans. She ended her career playing in the 2023 NWSL Championship, but got injured early in the game.

International Career for the United States

Youth National Teams

Rapinoe played for the United States under-16 national soccer team in 2002. From 2003 to 2005, she played for the under-19 team. She scored nine goals in 21 games for the under-19 team. She also scored three goals in the 2004 FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship.

Senior National Team Debut

Rapinoe first trained with the United States women's national soccer team in 2006. She made her debut for the senior team on July 23, 2006, against Ireland. She scored her first two goals on October 1, 2006, against Taiwan.

Due to her knee injuries, Rapinoe missed playing for the senior team in 2007 and 2008. This meant she missed the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. When she returned in 2009, she led the team in points.

2011 FIFA Women's World Cup

Rapinoe (top) celebrates with her teammates after the United States scores a goal during the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup final.

Rapinoe was part of the U.S. team for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup. In a game against Colombia, she scored a goal and celebrated by singing into a TV microphone.

In the quarterfinal against Brazil, Rapinoe made a perfect pass to Abby Wambach. This led to a game-tying goal in the 122nd minute, which is the latest goal ever scored in a World Cup match. The U.S. won the game after a penalty shootout. Rapinoe later said she "smacked it with my left foot" and got it to the right spot.

She also assisted a goal in the semi-final against France. In the final against Japan, Rapinoe assisted Alex Morgan's opening goal. The U.S. lost the final in a penalty shootout, earning a silver medal. Rapinoe finished the tournament with one goal and three assists.

2012 London Olympics

Rapinoe takes a corner kick in the gold medal match at the 2012 London Olympics.

Rapinoe helped the United States win a gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. She scored the winning goal against Colombia.

In a dramatic semi-final against Canada, Rapinoe scored two goals to tie the game. One of her goals was scored directly from a corner kick, which is called an "Olimpico." She is the first and only player to score an Olimpico at the Olympic Games. The U.S. won the game 4–3 in extra time.

Rapinoe after the gold medal match at 2012 Summer Olympics; August 9, 2012

The U.S. team won the gold medal by defeating Japan 2–1 in front of a huge crowd at Wembley Stadium. Rapinoe assisted Carli Lloyd's second goal. She finished the tournament with three goals and four assists.

2013–2014 International Play

At the 2013 Algarve Cup in Portugal, Rapinoe was named the best player of the tournament. She helped the U.S. win the cup by defeating Germany.

Rapinoe battles for the ball during a match against New Zealand at Candlestick Park, 2013.

In a friendly match against South Korea in 2013, Rapinoe's corner kick assisted Abby Wambach's record-breaking 159th international goal. This goal set a new world record for most international goals.

2015 FIFA Women's World Cup

In April 2015, Rapinoe was named to the team for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada. In the first group stage game against Australia, she scored two goals. The U.S. won that game 3–1.

After the World Cup win, Rapinoe tore her ACL again during training.

2019 FIFA Women's World Cup

Rapinoe celebrates a goal with teammate Crystal Dunn, 2019

The 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup was Rapinoe's third World Cup. She scored a goal in the 13–0 win over Thailand. In the knockout stage, she scored twice in a 2–1 win against Spain. Then, in the quarterfinal against host country France, Rapinoe scored two more goals, helping the U.S. win 2–1. FIFA named her Player of the Match for these performances.

Rapinoe had a hamstring injury and missed the semi-final against England. But she recovered to start in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup Final. In the final against the Netherlands, Rapinoe scored her 50th international goal from a penalty kick. The U.S. won 2–0, securing their second straight World Cup title. At 34, Rapinoe was the oldest woman to score in a World Cup final. She won the Golden Boot as the top scorer and the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament.

2020 Tokyo Olympics

On August 5, 2021, Rapinoe scored two goals, including another Olimpico, in a 4–3 win over Australia. This game earned the U.S. a bronze medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Final World Cup Appearance

On June 21, 2023, Rapinoe was named to the U.S. squad for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia. She announced that this would be her last major tournament before retiring. On August 6, 2023, the U.S. team was knocked out of the tournament by Sweden in a penalty shootout. Rapinoe missed a penalty kick in what was her final World Cup match.

Personal Life and Activism

Megan Rapinoe has spoken openly about being a lesbian. She publicly shared this in a magazine in 2012. She was in a relationship with Australian soccer player Sarah Walsh and later was engaged to musician Sera Cahoone. In 2017, Rapinoe and basketball player Sue Bird confirmed they were dating. They became the first same-sex couple on the cover of ESPN's The Body Issue in 2018 and announced their engagement in 2020.

Rapinoe has an older brother who faced challenges in his life. She has spoken about how his experiences helped her understand different perspectives.

Standing Up for What's Right

Rapinoe speaks on equal pay in March 2021.

Rapinoe gained attention for kneeling during the national anthem in 2016. She did this to support NFL player Colin Kaepernick. She explained that as a gay American, she understood what it felt like for the flag not to protect everyone's freedoms. She wanted to start important conversations about equality.

She has also been a strong voice for equal pay for the women's national soccer team. In 2019, she and 27 teammates sued the United States Soccer Federation. They accused the federation of gender discrimination, seeking equal pay with the men's team.

Rapinoe also supports including transgender women in women’s sports. She sees this as part of a larger effort to ensure everyone is treated with dignity.

Giving Back to the Community

Rapinoe has done a lot of charity work. She supports the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and Athlete Ally.

In 2017, Rapinoe and teammate Alex Morgan joined the "Common Goal" campaign. Players in this campaign donate one percent of their earnings to soccer-related charities. They were the first two women players to join.

Endorsements and Recognition

Rapinoe has worked with major brands like Nike and Samsung. She has appeared in many commercials and advertisements.

Rapinoe at the White House with President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden and Margaret Purce in March 2021

In December 2019, Rapinoe supported Elizabeth Warren in the 2020 U.S. presidential primaries. She also hosted a panel with frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Autobiography

In November 2020, Megan Rapinoe published her autobiography, One Life. The book shares details about her early life, her soccer career, her activism for equality, and her personal relationships. It became a New York Times best seller.

Honors and Awards

Lyon

• Division 1 Féminine: 2012–13
• Coupe de France Féminine: 2012–13

OL Reign

• NWSL Shield: 2014, 2015, 2022

United States

• FIFA Women's World Cup: 2015, 2019
• Olympic Gold Medal: 2012
• Olympic Bronze Medal: 2021
• Algarve Cup: 2011, 2013, 2015
• CONCACAF Women's Championship: 2014, 2018, 2022
• SheBelieves Cup: 2018, 2020, 2021, 2023
• Tournament of Nations: 2018
• CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament: 2020

Individual Awards

• Algarve Cup MVP: 2013
• NWSL Player of the Week: 2013 Week 16, 2015 Week 1, 2017 Week 11, 2017 Week 14, 2018 Week 1, 2018 Week 7
• NWSL Second XI: 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019
• NWSL Best XI: 2018
• IFFHS World's Best Woman Playmaker: 2019
• IFFHS Women's World Team: 2019
• The Best FIFA Women's Player: 2019
• FIFA Women's World Cup Golden Ball: 2019
• FIFA Women's World Cup Golden Boot: 2019
• FIFPro World XI: 2019, 2020
• FIFA Women's World Cup Final Player of the Match: 2019
• Ballon d'Or Féminin: 2019
• IFFHS CONCACAF Woman Team of the Decade 2011–2020

Media Awards

• ESPY Awards
  • Best Team (2015, 2019 as a member of the U.S. Women's National Team)
  • Best Play (2022)

Special Recognition

Rapinoe poses with the national team and President Barack Obama at the White House, 2015.

Rapinoe awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden in July 2022

After the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, Rapinoe's hometown of Redding, California, honored her with a parade. They even named September 10 "Megan Rapinoe Day."

In 2012, she was shortlisted for the FIFA Women's World Player of the Year award. She also received an award from the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center for raising awareness about LGBT people in sports.

In 2014, Rapinoe was inducted into the Shasta County Sports Hall of Fame. In 2015, she was inducted into the National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame.

In 2019, Rapinoe won the Golden Boot and Golden Ball at the Women's World Cup. She was also named Sports Illustrated's Sportsperson of the Year and The Best FIFA Women's Player.

On July 7, 2022, Rapinoe received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden at the White House. This is the highest honor given to civilians in the United States.

Images for kids

• Rapinoe pronounciation.ogg

  Megan Rapinoe's name pronunciation

See also

In Spanish: Megan Rapinoe para niños