Megan Rapinoe’s final match for the U.S. women’s national team will be a September 24 friendly against South Africa at Chicago’s Soldier Field, U.S. Soccer has announced.
Prior to the World Cup, Rapinoe announced she planned to retire following the conclusion of the 2023 NWSL season.
After playing in her final World Cup, which ended in bitter fashion for Rapinoe and the USWNT, the 38-year-old will bid farewell to the national team in the second of two September friendlies against South Africa.
Rapinoe will not play in the first of the two matches in Cincinnati on September 21, before she earns her 203rd and final cap three days later at Soldier Field.
“People may think that my career coming to an end would bring sadness, but when I think back on the past 30-plus years of playing this game, my overriding emotions are joy and gratitude,” Rapinoe said in a federation release.
“It’s been an unbelievable ride. It will be special to have this one last opportunity to play for my country in front of our incredible fans and get the chance to thank my teammates and everyone who has had an impact on me as a person and player over the years.”
Over her legendary USWNT career, Rapinoe has tallied 63 goals and 73 assists, ranking her in the top 10 all time in both categories. She has played in four World Cups and three Olympics, winning two World Cup titles and one Olympic gold medal.
In addition to the USWNT, Rapinoe will also play a farewell match with her longtime NWSL club OL Reign. The club has announced that its October 6 home regular-season finale against the Washington Spirit has been dubbed “Forever Reign: A Celebration of Megan Rapinoe.”
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