U.S. women’s national team legend Megan Rapinoe has spoken out amid the discovery of controversial social media activity from one of the team’s newest stars, Korbin Albert.
This week, USWNT fans began to notice that Albert’s TikTok account has either shared or reposted a host of anti-LGBTQ+ content.
In addition, Albert liked a post on Instagram from November 2023 that made light of the torn Achilles that Rapinoe suffered in the NWSL championship game — the final match of her career.
Rapinoe, along with several of her USWNT teammates, has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights throughout her career.
As the controversy around Albert began to grow, Rapinoe posted a story on her Instagram account that looked to be directed toward the 20-year-old PSG midfielder.
“For people who want to hide behind ‘my beliefs,’ I would just ask one question, are you making any type of space safer, more inclusive, more whole, any semblance of better, bringing the best out of anyone,” she wrote.
“Because if you aren’t, all you believe in is hate. And kids are literally killing themselves because of this hate. Wake TF up!
“Yours truly, #15.
“For all my trans homies enduring this horrific treatment day in and day out, I see you and hear you and I am WITH YOU.”
Rapinoe signing the message with “#15” appears to be intentional. After Rapinoe wore the No. 15 for years with the USWNT, Albert has now taken that number as her own.
Longtime USWNT captain Becky Sauerbrunn reposted Rapinoe’s story along with the caption: “Well said, @mrapinoe.” Other notable names reposting Rapinoe’s story included Sam Mewis, Kristie Mewis and Lynn Williams.
Later on Thursday, Albert released a statement of apology on her own Instagram story.
Albert, who made her USWNT debut in December, has been called into the USWNT’s roster for the SheBelieves Cup, which kicks off next weekend with a match against Japan.
The midfielder scored a tremendous long-range effort in PSG’s Champions League quarterfinal second leg against on Häcken on Thursday, showing that at least on the field, the controversy wasn’t affecting her.
When contacted by Pro Soccer Wire for comment, Albert’s representatives said they could only point to her statement on Instagram.
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