Megan Rapinoe

Megan Rapinoe, born on July 5, 1985, is a celebrated American former professional soccer player renowned for her dynamic play as a winger. Most of her illustrious career was spent with OL Reign in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States national team. Rapinoe's accolades include winning the prestigious Ballon d'Or Féminin and being named The Best FIFA Women's Player in 2019, showcasing her exceptional talent on the global stage.

Throughout her career, Rapinoe played a pivotal role in securing gold medals for the U.S. at the 2012 London Summer Olympics, the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, and the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. She also contributed to the national team's second-place finish at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup. From 2018 to 2020, she co-captained the national team alongside notable players Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan, further solidifying her leadership within the sport.

Rapinoe is widely recognized for her skillful style of play and her impactful activism off the pitch. A defining moment in her career came during the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup quarterfinals against Brazil, where her precise cross led to a crucial equalizer, earning her the ESPN's 2011 ESPY Award for Best Play of the Year. At the 2012 London Olympics, she made history by scoring directly from a corner kick, a feat she accomplished twice, and finished the tournament with three goals and four assists.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Rapinoe is a passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, supporting organizations such as GLSEN and Athlete Ally. Her contributions to social justice were recognized when she received the Board of Directors Award from the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center in 2013. In 2020, she was honored as one of Time's 100 Most Influential People and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden in July 2022.