What Happened to Megan Anna Rapinoe?

Megan Anna Rapinoe, born on July 5, 1985, established herself as one of the most iconic and influential figures in global soccer, celebrated for both her exceptional on-field talent and her unwavering commitment to social activism. Her professional career, predominantly with the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT) and Seattle's OL Reign, was marked by significant achievements and a distinctive playing style.

Rapinoe's playing career reached its zenith with the USWNT, where she secured two FIFA Women's World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019, and an Olympic gold medal at the 2012 London Games. Her performance in the 2019 World Cup was particularly legendary, earning her both the Golden Boot as the top scorer and the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. That same year, she was recognized as The Best FIFA Women's Player and awarded the prestigious Ballon d'Or Féminin. Beyond her athletic prowess, Rapinoe became a vocal leader off the field, championing LGBTQ+ rights, advocating for equal pay in women's sports, and protesting racial injustice by kneeling during the national anthem in 2016, a gesture of solidarity with Colin Kaepernick.

On July 8, 2023, Rapinoe announced her decision to retire from professional soccer at the conclusion of the 2023 NWSL season and after her final FIFA Women's World Cup appearance. Her final international match for the USWNT took place on September 24, 2023, against South Africa. Her professional club career with OL Reign ended on October 6, 2023, in the NWSL Championship match, where she unfortunately suffered an Achilles injury early in the game. This marked an emotional end to an illustrious playing chapter, though she expressed peace and gratitude for her career.

Since her retirement, Rapinoe has transitioned into various new endeavors, maintaining her public profile and commitment to advocacy. In 2022, she co-founded 'A Touch More,' a production company with her then-fiancée Sue Bird, aimed at elevating stories of cultural revolutionaries. They re-launched 'A Touch More: The Podcast' in 2024, which quickly gained recognition, winning a Webby Award for Best Sports Podcast in 2025. Rapinoe has also engaged in brand partnerships, including a July 2024 collaboration with Knix for the 'Sport Your Period' initiative, focusing on normalizing conversations about women's physical health in sports. In May 2026, she was announced as the official Seattle Hospitality Captain for the FIFA World Cup 2026, a role that drew some criticism due to the high cost of hospitality packages.

Her outspoken nature has continued to generate headlines in 2026. In December 2025, Rapinoe publicly criticized the USMNT's 2026 World Cup slogan, 'Never Chase Reality,' suggesting it conveyed self-doubt. In March 2026, she drew further attention for criticizing the U.S. men's hockey team for associating with former President Trump. Additionally, in April 2026, Rapinoe voiced criticism against a new Olympic policy aimed at protecting women's sports and female athletes, advocating for the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's categories. On a personal note, Rapinoe and Sue Bird announced their mutual and respectful separation in April 2026, ending their engagement. Despite the personal changes and public scrutiny, Rapinoe continues to be an active voice in public discourse, focusing on photography, storytelling, investing in women's sports, and shaping the future of the game through media and culture.