Rapinoe

Megan Rapinoe is an American professional soccer player who plays as a winger and attacking midfielder for OL Reign in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and for the United States women's national team. Born October 5, 1985, in Redding, California, she played college soccer at the University of Portland, where she developed into a prolific scorer and playmaker.

Rapinoe began her professional club career with the Chicago Red Stars in 2009 before moving to Seattle Reign FC (now OL Reign) in 2013. She has been a leading figure in the NWSL, known for her left-footed crossing, set pieces, tactical intelligence, and leadership.

Internationally, Rapinoe has been a member of the USWNT since 2006. She helped the United States win the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2015 and 2019, and Olympic gold medals in 2012 and 2016. Individually, she was named The Best FIFA Women's Player in 2019 and received the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player at the 2019 World Cup.

Off the field, Rapinoe is noted for advocacy on LGBTQ rights and gender pay equality in sports. She has been an outspoken voice in the fight for equal pay for the USWNT and for broader social justice issues, and she has participated in campaigns and public discussions as part of her activism.

Rapinoe is openly lesbian and has been in a long-term relationship with basketball star Sue Bird. She remains a prominent figure in American soccer and in broader conversations about sports and social equity.