The conclusion was an agonizing one for Megan Rapinoe: a penalty kick soaring over the crossbar, followed by shock, disappointment, and a wistful smile to herself.
“It’s almost like a cruel joke to miss a penalty,” Rapinoe stated after the United States was knocked out 5-4 on penalty kicks following a goalless draw with Sweden in the round of 16 at the Women’s World Cup in Melbourne, Australia.
Rapinoe couldn’t recall the last time she missed a penalty kick. She was brought on as a substitute late in Sunday’s match due to her proven reliability. In the 2019 World Cup final, it was her penalty kick that secured the winning goal. However, this time, her accuracy failed her on a night when her age and injuries were evident in her legs.
Although more soccer awaits Rapinoe, including her pursuit of the National Women’s Soccer League championship with the OL Reign in Seattle, her retirement, which she announced in July, is slated for this fall at the age of 38. The luminary of Rapinoe’s celebrated and controversial career as a player and activist has now dimmed on the World Cup stage, where she excelled both on the field and in speaking her mind.
During the 2019 Women’s World Cup, Rapinoe was compared to “her generation’s Muhammad Ali” by Franklin Foer in The Atlantic, as she became a “hero of resistance” with her “sly humor and irresistible swagger.”
At times, Rapinoe’s actions were daring, whether through her choice of hair color or her choice of words. She was consistently open and unguarded, particularly during the 2019 World Cup in France.
Prior to the tournament, Rapinoe and her teammates sued the United States Soccer Federation for gender discrimination. In the days leading up to an intense quarterfinal match against France in Paris, she engaged in a public feud with President Donald J. Trump, who urged her to win before speaking.
Instead of succumbing to pressure, Rapinoe scored both goals in a 2-1 victory over the United States, celebrating her performance with a defiant stance.
Following Sunday’s match, Rapinoe displayed a mix of humor and emotion, acknowledging the significance of the situation. Despite the elimination, she believes it does not diminish her career or the experience she gained.
Rapinoe’s impact extended beyond soccer, as she used her platform to advocate for equality, protest against social injustice, and fight for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. While her activism was groundbreaking, she also achieved remarkable success on the field, winning two World Cup titles and an Olympic gold medal.
Her legacy includes being a vocal advocate for those who feel unheard and challenging the norms of sports activism. Rapinoe’s willingness to take a stand, even if it meant facing criticism, set her apart and made her a symbol of resistance and empowerment.
As she departs from the international stage, Rapinoe leaves a lasting impact on the world of soccer and beyond, a testament to her accomplishments both as an athlete and an advocate.