Last month, United States Women’s Soccer legend Megan Rapinoe played her final World Cup match when the USWNT was eliminated in a penalty kick shootout by Sweden. It was an unceremonious end to an incredible career, so the USWNT gave her a chance to go out in a more celebratory way.
On Sunday night, Megan Rapinoe put on a United States Women’s National Team uniform for the last time as she made her final appearance with the team during a friendly match against South Africa. And this time, she went out on top, helping lead the USWNT to a 2-0 victory over South Africa in a game in which she served as the team’s captain.
The match officially ended the illustrious career of Rapinoe after she won two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles and an Olympic gold medal with the USWNT.
With Rapinoe’s career now officially over, the sports world took to social media to honor the legendary player for all she accomplished while representing her country.
One final bow for Megan Rapinoe 👑
She gets her curtain call after 17+ years with the @USWNT 👏 pic.twitter.com/kOodzHjFbR
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 24, 2023
Megan Rapinoe has played her final game for the USWNT.
Salute to an absolute legend 🫡 pic.twitter.com/pktI7i0v0v
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 24, 2023
2011 was the first Women's World Cup I watched. And to this day, this is my favourite Megan Rapinoe involved play. What a career she's had 👏💐 pic.twitter.com/P1npB7OT47
— Women's Footy 🏁 (@womenxfootball) September 24, 2023
MEGAN RAPINOE SUBS OFF IN FINAL GAME 🇺🇸
The end of one of the most indelible USWNT careers in history. A player & person who never shied away from the spotlight. A natural winner who could change matches with the flip of a switch. BIG LOVE @mPinoe 💪pic.twitter.com/VC4mpUiKHj
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) September 24, 2023
Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe hug it out as teammates, one last time 🫂#USWNT pic.twitter.com/3pd4GvaME2
— Txapeldunak! (Stephanie) 🔴 ⚪ 🏆 (@statsandedits) September 25, 2023
A goal would have been a cherry on top for Megan Rapinoe but this is a fitting ending. Her corner-kick service was always exquisite, including Olimpicos at two different Olympics. And the team celebration is pure joy. #USWNT pic.twitter.com/481HFNIpt6
— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) September 24, 2023
Rapinoe did not score herself in her final match with the team, but she did deliver a corner kick that led to a goal, marking a fitting end to her storied career with the team.
