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Lesbian soccer star Megan Rapinoe changed the sport in the U.S.

2024-01-24T14:14:18+00:00
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Megan Rapinoe, pride, lgbt, lesbian, MundoNOW/Megan Rapinoe, pride, lgbt, lesbiana, MundoNOW
Soccer star Megan Rapinoe (PHOTO: Instagram)
  • Soccer star Megan Rapinoe changed the game.
  • Learn about her athletic achievements and activism.
  • She advocates for equality and LGBTQ+ rights.

When thinking of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team — winners of the 2015 and 2019 World Cups — one player immediately comes to mind.

She is Megan Anna Rapinoe, the lesbian player who changed women’s soccer in the U.S.

Also known as ‘Pinoe,’ she recently retired from playing for OL Reign in Seattle. Months ago, she played her last game for the national team.

Unfortunately, she suffered an injury just two minutes into the game against Gotham FC, but who is the now retired soccer star?

Soccer star Megan Rapinoe is a true athlete

Megan Rapinoe, soccer player, USA, Women's National Team, MundoNOW
Photo: Instagram

Megan Rapinoe was born on July 5, 1985, in Redding, California. Besides playing soccer, she participated in track and field and basketball during her teenage years.

Thanks to her outstanding performances, FIFA recognized her as the Best Player of 2019, and she also received the Ballon d’Or.

According to experts, she is known for her intricate and technical playing style and for scoring two Olympic goals.

Beyond her unquestionable talent on the field, she is known for what she has achieved off the pitch.

A tireless activist

Activist, equality, celebrities, sports, MundoNOW
Megan Rapinoe / Photo: Instagram

According to El País, Megan Rapinoe is a tireless activist, fighting for equality and minority rights.

She has also fought for recognition of women’s soccer in the U.S.

In 2022, President Joe Biden awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.

Few remember that the now-retired footballer clashed with former President Donald Trump on several occasions.

A historic agreement in the soccer world

equal pay, sports, celebrities, activism, MundoNOW
Photo: Instagram

According to El País, Megan Rapinoe was one of the 28 players who sued the United States Soccer Federation in 2019.

The reason? They accused the USSF of discrimination in a Los Angeles court, demanding equal pay with the men’s team.

Three years later, in May 2022, the Federation announced two agreements for both soccer teams to receive equal pay.

Many applauded this decision, considering the achievements of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team in recent years.

Megan Rapinoe is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights

LGBTIQ+ Rights, Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network, GLSEN, MundoNOW
Megan Rapinoe / Photo: Instagram

The former soccer player is recognized for being an activist and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, in addition to supporting various organizations — among them are the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and Athlete Ally.

She is also widely admired for fighting for equal treatment and visibility for women’s soccer.

During an interview with Out magazine in 2012, Pinoe revealed that she is a lesbian and was in a relationship with fellow footballer Sarah Walsh.

Unfortunately, the couple ended their relationship in 2013. Megan also dated artist Sera Cahoone and basketball player Sue Bird.

Is there homophobia in soccer?

soccer star megan rapinoe, women's soccer, athlete, MundoNOW
Megan Rapinoe / Photo: Instagram

Megan Rapinoe discussed homophobia in soccer in an interview, according to Sports Illustrated.

Regarding why some soccer players haven’t dared to come out, she said it’s because they believe they will be fired or insulted.

«I think it’s safer on the women’s side, and I think we have a lot of camaraderie just between ourselves and a lot more people coming out, which makes it easier for everyone,» she said.

In 2021, Australian player Josh Cavallo became the first footballer to come out publicly.

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