United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) captain Megan Rapinoe has called time on her international career after representing the United States for 17 years with 203 caps and 63 goals.
The 2019 Ballon d’Or winner who plans to retire from the women’s game entirely at the end of this season’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), played her last game for the USWNT in their 2-0 victory over South Africa in a friendly match in Chicago.
The 38-year-old global soccer icon described the reception at her final game for her country as overwhelming and really wonderful. After playing 54 minutes, Rapinoe, who was full of emotions, got substituted from the game amid a standing ovation at the Soldier Field.
“It has been really wonderful, to hear all the nice things, to have a closure moment, to play in front of a big crowd again. I will miss it forever.”
Rapinoe was also full of praise for her teammates who complemented her efforts to win laurels for the country.
“I feel like I’ve been able to grow up in front of all of you. It has been such an honor to be able to wear this shirt and play with all these amazing players and to just live out my childhood dream, casually, just like in front of the world”, the soccer star concluded.
Rapinoe becomes the second player to retire from the USWNT within a week after midfielder Julie Ertz ended her international career last Thursday in the first game against the South Africans in Cincinnati.
