Megan Anna Rapinoe (born July 5, 1985) is an American professional soccer midfielder and winger who plays for and captains Reign FC in the National Women's Soccer League. She has helped the United States women's national soccer team win the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, the gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics, and finish as runners-up at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup. Since 2018, she has co-captained the national team alongside Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan.
Rapinoe is known for her precise cross to Abby Wambach in the 122nd minute of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup quarterfinals against Brazil, which resulted in an equalizing goal and an eventual win after a penalty shootout. This goal set a record for the latest goal ever scored in a match and won ESPN's 2011 ESPY Award for Best Play of the Year. At the 2012 London Olympics, she scored three goals and had a team-high four assists, helping the United States win gold. She is the first player to score a Goal Olimpico at the Olympic Games. Rapinoe advocates for LGBT organizations such as the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and Athlete Ally. In 2013, she received the Board of Directors Award from the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center. She is sponsored by Nike, Samsung, and DJO Global, and has appeared in promotional campaigns for Wildfang and Nike. Rapinoe previously played for the Chicago Red Stars, Philadelphia Independence, and magicJack in Women's Professional Soccer, as well as Olympique Lyonnais in France's Division 1 Féminine.
United States
