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 retired American professional soccer player, primarily a winger, renowned for her career with OL Reign in the NWSL and the United States national team. Acknowledged as one of the best, she won the Ballon d'Or Féminin and The Best FIFA Women's Player in 2019. Rapinoe secured gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics, the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, and the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. She was also a key player in the 2011 World Cup team that finished second. She co-captained the national team from 2018 to 2020, alongside Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan. Beyond the US team, she played for Chicago Red Stars, Philadelphia Independence, and magicJack in WPS, and Lyon Women in France.

Sections (5)

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

2006: First ACL Injury

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

2007: Missed World Cup due to ACL injury

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

2007: Second ACL Injury

In 2007, Rapinoe suffered her second season-ending ACL injury two games into the season.

2008: Missed Olympics due to ACL injury

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

October 25, 2011: WPS Terminates MagicJack Franchise

On October 25, 2011, the WPS voted to terminate the MagicJack franchise, leaving Rapinoe and many other players as free agents for the 2012 season.

2012: WPS Suspends Operations

In early 2012, the Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) league suspended operations, making Rapinoe a free agent.

2015: Tore ACL during training

During training for a Victory Tour match in late 2015, Megan Rapinoe tore her anterior cruciate ligament, sidelining her from play.

September 4, 2016: Kneeling During National Anthem

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 National Anthem Protest

On September 15, 2016, Megan Rapinoe continued her protest by kneeling during the national anthem at the national team game against Thailand, prompting a statement from U.S. Soccer regarding expectations for players to honor the flag.

March 2019: Filed lawsuit against US Soccer Federation

In March 2019, Megan Rapinoe, along with 27 of her US Women's soccer teammates, filed a lawsuit against the United States Soccer Federation accusing it of gender discrimination.

2020: Discussed brother's struggles with drug abuse

In a 2020 interview with Terry Gross on Fresh Air, Megan Rapinoe discussed her older brother's struggles with drug abuse and involvement with white supremacist groups in prison.

February 2022: Not included on SheBelieves Cup roster

In February 2022, Megan Rapinoe was not included on the national team roster for the SheBelieves Cup, as announced by U.S. women's national team coach Vlatko Andonovski.

August 6, 2023: USWNT knocked out of World Cup

On August 6, 2023, the USWNT was knocked out of the tournament on penalties against Sweden in the Round of 16, with Rapinoe missing a penalty kick in her final World Cup match.