Megan Rapinoe to retire from international football after South Africa friendly

Ayomikun Elemikan Sports 30/08/2023

United States forward Megan Rapinoe is set to play her final match for the country in a friendly against South Africa.

The match between both countries is set to hold on 24 September at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Megan Rapinoe is a two-time World Cup winner with the USA (Image: The Independent)

Rapinoe has featured in four World Cups. She won the title with the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) in 2015 and 2019.

The veteran confirmed, before the 2023 Women’s World Cup, her plans to hang her boots. She stated she would do that when this season of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season ends in November.

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Rapinoe said: “When I think back on the past 30-plus years of playing this game, my overriding emotions are joy and gratitude.”

“It’s been an unbelievable ride. It will be special to have this one last opportunity to play for my country and get the chance to thank my team-mates and everyone who has had an impact on me as a person and player over the years.”

Rapinoe is a United States football legend

Rapinoe, who won the 2019 Ballon d’Or, has made 203 appearances for the USA. She has scored 63 goals during that spell and also won gold at the 2012 Olympics in London.

Megan Rapinoe won the 2019 Ballon d’Or award (Image: Punch Newspapers)

Many had believed that her final international appearance was USA’s last 16 loss to Sweden at the Women’s World Cup. She was one of three American players to miss a penalty in that encounter.

However, she’s confirmed the second of two matches against South Africa will now be her “farewell game.” The USA are scheduled to play Banyana Banyana in friendlies on 21 and 24 September.

The 36-year-old is expected to call time on her professional career on 15 October when her club side OL Reign play their final game of the season at Chicago Red Stars.