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 renowned for her skill as a winger. Primarily playing for OL Reign and the United States national team, she achieved significant accolades, including the Ballon d'Or Féminin and The Best FIFA Women's Player in 2019. Rapinoe secured Olympic gold in 2012 and FIFA Women's World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019, also contributing to the U.S.'s second-place finish in the 2011 World Cup. She served as co-captain of the national team from 2018 to 2020. Her professional career also included stints with Chicago Red Stars, Philadelphia Independence, and magicJack in the WPS, as well as Lyon Women in France.

Sections (5)

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

2006: First ACL Injury

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

2007: Missed the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup

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

2007: Second ACL Injury

In 2007, Megan Rapinoe suffered her second season-ending ACL injury two games into the season at University of Portland.

2008: Missed the 2008 Beijing Olympics

Due to an ACL injury, Rapinoe did not play for the senior team in 2008 and missed the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

2015: Tore ACL during training

In late 2015, while 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 due to poor field conditions.

2020: Discussed brother's drug abuse and incarceration

During a 2020 interview with Terry Gross on Fresh Air, Rapinoe discussed how her older brother suffered from drug abuse and spent time in jail, where he became involved with white supremacist groups.

February 2022: Not included on the national team roster for the SheBelieves Cup

In February 2022, U.S. women's national team coach Vlatko Andonovski announced that Rapinoe would not be included on the national team roster for the SheBelieves Cup.

August 6, 2023: USWNT Knocked out of the tournament

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.