Our “Anna” or better known as Megan Rapinoe checked into her retirement yesterday!
This was after her she played her last football game with what has been current club, OL Reign.
If you look closely at the logo and trademark name of OL Reign, it so much looks like Olympique Lyonnais (the men’s team) and Olympique Lyonnais Feminin’ (the women’s team, one of my favourites in the world), both of France.
(The group that owns those two teams in France added Reign to their roster).
Photo credit: OL Reign
For USA her country on the international scene,
She played her final match with her teammates against the Banyana Banyana of South Africa, on the 24th of September 2023.
It was on the USA team that I first picked very keen interest in Megan.
(I will tell you why).
Photo credit: AP
Allow me to drop this information before we carry on:
On the 29th of June 2013, Megan made her home debut for the Seattle Reigns FC (which is now called OL Reign).
The attendance in the stadium that day was 2,318.
On the 6th of September 2023 (a little over 10 years later), the attendance was a record 34,130!
That’s almost 15 times what was had, in 2013!
Impact, right?
Photo credit: Outsports
Do you remember the FIFA Women’s World Cup of 2019?
How about the one of 2015?
Many things stood out, most notably the USA winning this Cup back-to-back!
Anna was part of them both and our girl was so hot in them!
Plus, her famous celebration; how can I ever forget that?
Photo credit: ESPN
It was after they ended, especially the 2019 edition, that Megan rallied her teammates to demand for what’s rightfully theirs!
When I say this, I don’t only mean the USA. I am looking at the entire world of women’s football!
The problems and challenges faced by the girls in the USA aren’t far off, from those faced by my Reggae Girls of Jamaica!
Photo credit: CBS News
These girls, amidst all the challenges that came at them then and now, struck a deal of a lifetime (it was my first time seeing it anywhere).
In 2022, the women’s national team and the men’s national team came together for a historic and first-of-its-kind deal: The two teams would pool their FIFA prize money together and then split it equally among both teams!
This deal has got a bit of mechanics to it, that you should know of.
US Soccer explains it all here.
Photo credit: SBNation.com
This action alone of the deal has seen so many more women all over the world put their feet down, demanding what’s theirs!
They include women from England, Brazil, Australia, Norway, New Zealand, Wales among others!
Photo credit: ABC News
It was about damn time these girls enjoyed their stays at the finest hotels, had access to the finest coaches and support staff, bigger prize money and bonuses for their wins among other things!
The stadiums are getting more packed, every week that goes by!
(Another favs of mine, Arsenal Women had an attendance of 54,115 against Liverpool Women at the Emirates Stadium, last weekend)!
Photo credit: Arsenal
We could write from now until next weekend about Megan.
She has accomplished so much, for one person!
By my count, I can recall at least 26 honours throughout her footballing career.
I miss her already!
Photo credit: NBC Sports Chicago
My hope is that all young and old people get to know Megan’s story.
It carries a lot in it that we can all learn from.
I love you, Megan!
Megan Rapinoe is such an inspiring woman who has done so much for this sport. Thanks for sharing some interesting facts on her accomplishments.
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I don’t follow soccer so hadn’t heard of her before this. But I love learning about those who make such an impact in their profession, whether sports, education, medical, or other profession, that has a lasting legacy for others, too.
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I think it’s amazing that they’re splitting the money like that! And I love what she’s done to advance equality in the sport.
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Great to see a female footballer being recognised for her achievements! I love her aesthetic!
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Megan Rapinoe has brought so much attention to her sport and female athletics in general. They feature her on The Today Show quite a bit and I’ve enjoyed following her incredible story.
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I love that you share so many inspirational people like Megan Rapinoe. Reading her story is not only empowering but powerful. She’s done so much and I really applaud her.
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
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She is an amazing athlete, and she’s done so much to bring more eyes to the sport. I’m a big, big fan.
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I love to see stories like this of women really showcasing their power, especially in sports. Even today, there’s a big disconnect between male and female sports.
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Megan Rapinoe is the GOAT of her sport and I love it. She’s brought a lot of attention to the sport and made many powerful statements for equal rights for women.
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I don’t watch a lot of soccer, but I listened to interview with her and she is so inspirational. I really enjoyed about her retirement.
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What a great career! She looks so young and healthy – good for her earning her retirement! Must feel so satisyfing.
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oh boy we played soccer when kids were younger and yhink its great that it has gained in popularity
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The 2019 world cup was amazing. Congrats to Megan on an outstanding career in soccer.
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What an inspiring career! I am glad to see that women are taking the lead in sports too…we need more sportswomen 🙂
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She is truly an awesome athlete and an amazing person! I always love reading your articles, thanks for sharing this with us
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She sounds like a truly remarkable woman and an amazing football player too. 26 honours throughout her footballing career is a great feat. Well done to her!
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She is so inspiring and has definitely opened up the world of soccer to a lot of people, especially young women that look up to her.
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Megan Rapinoe is an amazing athlete that has brought so much positive attention to her sport. I applaud all of her amazing accomplishments and achievements!
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I’ve always liked soccer better than football. I know that’s not “normal” in the US, but I think its a better sport.
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I like almost all sports. Nice to see the women showcased I feel like they don’t often get as much attention as the fellas do.
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This has just inspired me to keep pushing through life. She’s loved and appreciated by everyone.
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I have seen some of their games and she’s amazing. I had no idea that she already retired. She is very inspiring. I agree with you she has accomplished so much. May we have more “Megans” in the world.
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A truly amazing athlete, she is also an amazing person who deserves to be recognized.
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Your heartfelt tribute to Megan Rapinoe is truly touching. Your passion for women’s soccer and Megan’s advocacy shines through. It’s a wonderful reminder of the impact one individual can have on a global scale. Thanks for sharing this inspiring story!
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I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Megan Rapinoe and her inspiring journey in your blog post. She’s a true role model for women everywhere, showing that determination, talent, and the courage to stand up for what you believe in can lead to remarkable achievements. Her advocacy for equal pay and LGBTQ+ rights is commendable. Thanks for sharing her story – it’s both empowering and motivating.
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This is a great reminder and although I don’t watch a lot of women’s football but always good to show accomplishment.
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