USA forward Megan Rapinoe, one of the most successful players of her generation, says she will retire at the end of the season. The 2019 Ballon d’Or winner made the announcement days before she leaves for her fourth Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
“I did want to do it my own way,” the 38-year-old said.
“I feel very grateful that I’m here and that I have the trust of this team and that my body has held up this long.” Rapinoe will retire at the end of her club side OL Reign’s NWSL campaign, with the regular season ending in October and the play-off final on 11 November. Two-time World Cup winner Rapinoe has been capped 199 times by the US, scoring 63 goals and winning a 2012 Olympic gold medal. (agencies)
In 2019, she was named Best Fifa Women’s Player and won the World Cup golden boot and golden ball to go with her Ballon d’Or.
Rapinoe is set to win her 200th cap in Sunday’s game against Wales at PayPal Park in San Jose, California, her home state.
USA head coach head coach Vlatko Andonovski called her “one of the most important players in women’s soccer history and a personality like no other”.
Rapinoe began her career in 2002 playing for Elk Grove Pride in the Women’s Premier Soccer League.
She had spells in Australia and France before joining Seattle Reign, now known as OL Reign, winning three NWSL Shields and one Women’s Cup.
