Challenges in the Life of Megan Rapinoe in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Megan Rapinoe. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Megan Rapinoe is a celebrated American former professional soccer player, primarily a winger, known for her time with OL Reign and the United States national team. A Ballon d'Or Féminin and The Best FIFA Women's Player recipient in 2019, she achieved significant success, including Olympic gold in 2012 and FIFA Women's World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019. She co-captained the national team from 2018 to 2020 alongside Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan. Besides her accomplishments with the national team, Rapinoe also played for Chicago Red Stars, Philadelphia Independence, and magicJack in Women's Professional Soccer (WPS), as well as Lyon Women in France's Division 1 Féminine. Rapinoe is also known for her outspoken activism.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2006: Season-Ending Injury

In 2006, during her sophomore year, Megan Rapinoe suffered her first season-ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a match against Washington State University on October 5.

2007: Second Season-Ending Injury

In 2007, Megan Rapinoe suffered her second season-ending ACL injury two games into the season, leading to a medical hardship waiver by the NCAA.

2007: Missed 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup due to ACL injury

In 2007, Rapinoe did not play for the senior team due to an ACL injury and subsequently missed the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup.

2008: Missed 2008 Beijing Olympics due to ACL injury

In 2008, Rapinoe did not play for the senior team due to an ACL injury and subsequently missed the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

2012: WPS Suspended Operations

In early 2012, the Women's Professional Soccer league suspended operations, impacting Megan Rapinoe's career.

2015: Tore ACL during training for Victory Tour match

In late 2015, during training for a Victory Tour match to celebrate the team's World Cup win, Rapinoe tore her anterior cruciate ligament. The national team game was later cancelled.

September 4, 2016: Kneeled During National Anthem in Solidarity with Colin Kaepernick

On September 4, 2016, during a game in Chicago against the Red Stars, Megan Rapinoe knelt during the national anthem in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick, protesting racial injustice and minority oppression.

September 15, 2016: Continued Protest and U.S. Soccer Statement

On September 15, 2016, Megan Rapinoe continued her protest during the national team game against Thailand. U.S. Soccer then issued a statement regarding the expectation that players and coaches will stand and honor the flag during the national anthem.

2020: Brother's struggles with drug abuse and incarceration

In a 2020 interview on Fresh Air, Rapinoe discussed how her older brother had suffered with drug abuse and had spent time in jail, including solitary confinement. Her brother became involved with white supremacist groups within prison.

August 6, 2023: USWNT knocked out of tournament on penalties against Sweden

On August 6, 2023, the USWNT was knocked out of the tournament on penalties against Sweden in the Round of 16. Rapinoe was one of the three U.S. players to miss a penalty kick in what would be Rapinoe's final World Cup match.