Megan Rapinoe Shares Why She Announced Retirement Decision Ahead of World Cup

U.S. women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe announced her retirement Saturday ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and explained why she decided to do it before the reigning tournament champions start their title defense. 

“I’m just really grateful to be able to do it in this way,” Rapinoe said, according to the Associated Press. “I understand that it is incredibly rare for athletes of any stature to be able to go out in their own way, on their own terms, at the time that they want, in a way that feels really peaceful and settled for them.

“So just wanted to do it now and honestly kind of get it out of the way before we go down to New Zealand so we can focus on the task at hand, which is winning another World Cup.”

Rapinoe, 38, will call it a career with the OL Reign at the end of the National Women’s Soccer League season. An Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Cup champion, she’ll be looking to add to her illustrious résumé this summer at the World Cup, jointly hosted by New Zealand and Australia. 

The competition begins on July 20 with the USWNT starting group play against Vietnam on July 21.