Megan Rapinoe addressed the Soldier Field crowd after her final U.S. women’s national team game on Sunday, telling supporters: “I’m one of you guys now. I’ll be the biggest fan of this team.”
The American soccer legend made her 203rd and final appearance with the USWNT against South Africa, starting and playing 54 minutes before being subbed off to a standing ovation in a 2-0 win.
Rapinoe will retire at the end of the 2023 NWSL season, capping off a hugely impactful career both on and off the field.
Speaking to reporters before the game, Rapinoe said that her on-field accomplishments “pale in comparison” to everything she and her generation of USWNT players have achieved off the field.
Rapinoe referenced some of those off-field achievements in her farewell address, saying: “We have fought so hard on the field, had so much fun, been so successful, doing it underneath all of your guys’ cheers. We have fought so hard off the field to continue to create more space for ourselves to be who we are, but hopefully, in turn, more space for you guys to be who you are.
“It has been such an honor to be able to wear this shirt and to play with all these amazing players and to just live out my childhood dream casually just like in front of the world.”
Later, Rapinoe turned to an emotional Lindsey Horan and joked: “Pull it together Lindsey! She’s not handling it well. It’s OK, love you too.”
Rapinoe’s career still has a few games remaining as the NWSL season nears its conclusion. OL Reign has announced that its October 6 home regular-season finale against the Washington Spirit has been dubbed “Forever Reign: A Celebration of Megan Rapinoe.”
Watch Rapinoe’s farewell speech
She's never been at a loss for words.
Pinoe's Farewell from Chicago 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/xEfWJEbtTK
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 25, 2023
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