Megan Rapinoe

Megan Anna Rapinoe (/rəˈpiːnoʊ/), July 5, 1985 -) is a former American professional women's soccer player who played as a midfielder and forward. She played for the OL Monarchs of the National Women's Soccer League and served as captain. As a member of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team, she won the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup for the United States, a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics and second place at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup. Since 2018, he has served as captain of the national team with Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan, and announced his retirement in 2023. Rapinoe is known around the world for her crafty play, including her precise pass to Abby Wambach in the 122nd minute of the quarterfinals against Brazil at the 2011 Women's World Cup, who scored the equalizer that the U.S. won in a shootout. The last-minute goal set a game-winning goal record, and the game won ESPN's 2011 Sports Excellence Award for Game of the Year. At the 2012 London Olympics, she scored three goals and set a team-high four assists, leading the United States to the gold medal. She is the first player in Olympic history to score directly from a corner kick. Rapinoe is active in several LGBT groups, including the Lesbian, Gay and Straight Education Network and Athletes Allies. In 2013, she won the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center Board of Directors Award. She has been sponsored by Nike, Samsung and DJO Global, and has appeared in several promotional videos for clothing company Wildfang and Nike. Previously, she played for the Chicago Red Stars, Philadelphia Independence and Magic Jacks of the U.S. Women's Professional Soccer League, as well as Olympique Lyonnais of the French Serie A women's soccer league.