Megan Rapinoe became the face of athlete activism in the 2010s-2020s, using her soccer platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, equal pay, and racial justice.
Kneeling Protest (2016)
Rapinoe became the first white athlete and first female athlete to kneel during the national anthem in support of Colin Kaepernick on September 4, 2016.
US Soccer later enacted a policy requiring players to stand, which was criticized as targeting Rapinoe. The policy was rescinded in 2020 after George Floyd’s murder.
2019 World Cup Dominance
Rapinoe won the Golden Boot (6 goals) and Golden Ball (best player) at the 2019 Women’s World Cup, leading the USWNT to their fourth title.
Her iconic goal celebration (arms wide, head back) became a symbol of confidence. She scored in knockout rounds against Spain, France, and the Netherlands (final).
Trump Feud
Rapinoe told a reporter she wouldn’t visit the White House if the US won, sparking a Twitter response from President Donald Trump who criticized her as disrespectful.
Rapinoe doubled down, saying “I’m not going to the f***ing White House.” The exchange made her a lightning rod for political debates.
Equal Pay Lawsuit
Rapinoe was a leader in the USWNT’s 2019 gender discrimination lawsuit against US Soccer, alleging women earned 38 cents per dollar compared to men.
The case settled in February 2022 for $24 million and equal revenue-sharing agreements, a landmark victory. Rapinoe’s advocacy was instrumental in the outcome.
LGBTQ+ Advocacy
As an openly gay athlete, Rapinoe used her visibility to champion LGBTQ+ rights. Her relationship with Sue Bird (WNBA legend) became a power couple symbol.
She criticized FIFA and Qatar for anti-LGBTQ+ policies during the 2022 World Cup, though the US was eliminated early (Round of 16).
Business Ventures
Rapinoe co-founded re-inc, a gender-neutral lifestyle brand, and partnered with BodyArmor, Nike, and other sponsors who aligned with her values.
Her memoir “One Life” (2020) detailed her activism, coming out story, and sports career.
2023 World Cup & Retirement
Rapinoe’s final World Cup (2023, Australia/New Zealand) ended in disappointment, with the USWNT eliminated in the Round of 16 by Sweden on penalties. She missed a penalty kick in the shootout.
She retired after the 2023 NWSL season, ending her career with two Olympic golds (2012, 2020 delayed to 2021) and two World Cups (2015, 2019).
Criticism
Conservatives criticized Rapinoe as anti-American for kneeling and White House comments. Some teammates reportedly resented her main character energy and media attention.
Her 2023 World Cup performance (age 38, limited minutes) sparked debates about whether she should have retired earlier to give younger players opportunities.
Legacy
#MeganRapinoe represents athlete empowerment—using sports platforms for social change despite backlash. She won Ballon d’Or Féminin (2019) and Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year (2019).
Her activism inspired younger athletes across sports to speak out on issues, normalizing political expression in women’s sports.