Megan Rapinoe

Megan Rapinoe is an American professional footballer, born on July 5, 1985, in Redding, California. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest women's footballers of all time. Rapinoe began her professional career with Chicago Red Stars before moving to Seattle Reign FC in 2013, where she made significant contributions to the team's success.

Rapinoe is known for her incredible speed, skills, goal-scoring ability, and versatility. She has won numerous individual awards, including two Best FIFA Women's Player titles, and holds multiple records, such as the most assists in a single Women's World Cup tournament.

Off the field, Rapinoe is also recognized for her activism and influence, championing gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights, and inspiring millions worldwide.

Chicago Red Stars

• Youth and Early Career: Rapinoe was born and raised in California and played college soccer at the University of Portland. She was drafted by the Chicago Red Stars in 2009, where she made her professional debut.

Seattle Reign FC

• Peak Years: Rapinoe signed with Seattle Reign FC in 2013. She developed into one of the world's best attackers, helping the team win two NWSL Shield titles and reaching the finals of the NWSL Championship on two occasions.

Olympique Lyon

• European Adventure: In 2013, Rapinoe joined French club Olympique Lyon, where she won the UEFA Women’s Champions League and the French league title in her first season before returning to Seattle Reign FC later that year.

United States Women's National Team

• Debut: Made her debut for the United States in 2006.

Achievements:

• FIFA Women's World Cup: Winner in 2015 and 2019.
• Olympic Gold Medal: Winner in 2012.
• Rapinoe has scored numerous important goals for the national team and has been an influential player in major tournaments.

• Position: Primarily a winger, but also excels as a forward.
• Skills: Known for her incredible speed, technical skills, versatility, and goal-scoring prowess. Rapinoe is celebrated for her crossing ability, powerful shots, and set-piece prowess.

• Family: Rapinoe is openly gay and has been in a relationship with basketball player Sue Bird since 2017.
• Activism: Rapinoe is a vocal advocate for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights, and has used her platform to raise awareness for these issues.

• Megan Rapinoe is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her activism, determination, and impact in professional football. Her influence extends beyond the pitch, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Most Assists in a Women's World Cup Tournament:

• 5 assists in 2019

Most Goals in Single NWSL Season:

• 12 goals in 2019

Best FIFA Women's Player:

• Winner in 2019

Golden Boot and Golden Ball Winner in Women's World Cup:

• Winner in 2019

Books

• Stevens, D. (2020) Megan Rapinoe: The Rise of a Winner. New York: Icon Books.
• Murray, C. (2020) Megan Rapinoe: The Biography. London: Orion Publishing Group.

Websites

• FIFA: Information about Megan Rapinoe’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.fifa.com
• Seattle Reign FC: Details about Rapinoe’s career at Seattle Reign FC. Available at: https://www.olreign.com
• Olympique Lyon: Updates on Rapinoe’s performance and records at Olympique Lyon. Available at: https://www.ol.fr
• NWSL: Updates and records of Rapinoe in NWSL competitions. Available at: https://www.nwslsoccer.com

Articles

• ESPN: Megan Rapinoe: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/132484/megan-rapinoe
• The Guardian: Megan Rapinoe’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football/megan-rapinoe

Interviews and Documentaries

• ESPN Interviews: Various interviews and features on Megan Rapinoe, covering different aspects of her career. Available at: https://www.espn.com