Sporting icons : Meghan Rapinoe - US woman soccer legend , career HLs & video

 


Meghan Rapinoe, born July 5 1985  in Redding, California, has become one of the most iconic figures in women's soccer. Her journey from a small-town girl to a global superstar is filled with remarkable achievements and significant contributions to the sport.


**Early Career**:


Rapinoe's soccer career began at a young age, playing for local teams in Northern California. Her talent was evident early on, and she earned a scholarship to the University of Portland, where she made an immediate impact. During her time at Portland, she led her team to an NCAA Division I Championship in 2005. Despite suffering two ACL injuries during her college career, Rapinoe's resilience and determination never wavered.


**Professional Career**:


Rapinoe's professional career began in 2009 when she was drafted by the Chicago Red Stars in the inaugural season of Women's Professional Soccer (WPS). She later played for Philadelphia Independence and MagicJack in the same league. In 2013, Rapinoe joined the Seattle Reign (now OL Reign) in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), where she has been a pivotal player ever since.


**International Career**:


Rapinoe's international career with the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT) is nothing short of legendary. She made her debut in 2006 and has since earned over 190 caps, scoring more than 60 goals.


1. **2011 FIFA Women's World Cup**: Rapinoe played a crucial role in the USWNT's runner-up finish, providing the assist for Abby Wambach's dramatic equalizer against Brazil in the quarterfinals.


2. **2012 London Olympics**: She was instrumental in the team's gold medal victory, scoring three goals and providing four assists throughout the tournament.


3. **2015 FIFA Women's World Cup**: Rapinoe helped the USWNT clinch their third World Cup title, contributing with key performances in the midfield.


4. **2019 FIFA Women's World Cup**: This tournament marked the pinnacle of Rapinoe's career. She won the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer and the Golden Ball as the best player, leading the USWNT to their fourth World Cup title. Her leadership on and off the field garnered international acclaim.




**Playing Style**:


Rapinoe is known for her exceptional technical skills, vision, and creativity on the field. Primarily a winger, she has the ability to deliver precise crosses and powerful shots. Her playing style is characterized by her ability to read the game, making intelligent runs and creating scoring opportunities for her teammates. Rapinoe is also a set-piece specialist, often taking corners and free kicks for both club and country.


**Off the Field**:


Beyond her on-field accomplishments, Rapinoe is a vocal advocate for social justice, equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. She has used her platform to speak out against discrimination and has been a prominent figure in the fight for equal pay in women's soccer. Rapinoe's activism has made her a role model for many, inspiring countless individuals around the world.


**Legacy**:


Meghan Rapinoe's impact on soccer and society extends far beyond her impressive statistics and trophies. She has redefined what it means to be a successful athlete, using her influence to drive positive change. As she continues to inspire the next generation of players and activists, Rapinoe's legacy as a trailblazer in women's soccer is firmly cemented.


The below video is a proof of Rapinoe's skill levels & greatness 



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