President Joe Biden & VP Kamala Harris Lead Tributes for Megan Rapinoe Retirement

American professional soccer player Megan Rapinoe is ending her position as the winger for OL Reign of the National Women's Soccer League and the United States Women's National Soccer team after announcing her upcoming retirement.

The two-time Women's World Cup winner, who made her USWNT debut in July 2006, has proudly represented her country and won over 190 caps while becoming the first soccer player to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022.

Interestingly, aside from being a star athlete, she is widely known for her work on human rights issues, ranging from LGBTQ+ rights to racial inequality and most importantly, to gender and pay equity. 

Since Rapinoe declared her intentions to retire at the end of the 2023 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) season, influential individuals from different fields have been extending their gratitude and support to the athlete, including the President and the Vice President of the United States of America.

Earlier on July 8, the professional soccer player broke the news of her retirement at a press conference in San Jose, California, ahead of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team's match against Wales.

She stated, "This is going to be my last season, my last World Cup, and my last NWSL season. Obviously, there will be more to come further down the road after hopefully we get done what we want to get done."

She continued with her speech, "I could have just never imagined where this beautiful game would've taken me. I feel so honored to be able to have represented this country and this federation for so many years. It's truly been the greatest thing that I've ever done."

Following in the footsteps of her financée, retired WNBA player Sue Bird who also announced her retirement before her final season, Rapinoe jokingly added that it "feels weird" before she proceeded to appreciate her superiors for allowing her to go out on her own terms — something she described as "incredibly rare for athletes of any stature."

The great athlete, who was named Sports Illustrated's Sportsperson of the Year in 2019, further shared an official statement regarding her retirement from U.S. Soccer. She noted,

"I've been able to have such an incredible career, and this game has brought me all over the world and allowed me to meet so many amazing people. I feel incredibly grateful to have played as long as I have, to be as successful as we've been, and to have been a part of a generation of players who undoubtedly left the game better than they found it. To be able to play one last World Cup and one last NWSL season and go out on my own terms is incredibly special."

Rapinoe made it a point of duty to express her gratitude to her family, her teammates, and especially her coaches, who trained her to be exceptional.  In her words, "I will forever cherish the friendships and support over the years in this game, and I am beyond excited for one last ride with the National Team and the Reign."

Going to her Twitter page to address her fans, she tweeted a farewell message alongside posting a throwback photo of her younger self at an amusement park. She wrote,

"It is with a deep sense of peace & gratitude that I have decided this will be my final season playing this beautiful game. I never could have imagined the ways in which soccer would shape & change my life forever, but by the look on this little girl's face, she knew all along." 

Immediately, VP Kamala Harris commented on her tweet, writing, "A champion on and off the field. You have changed the game of soccer, been a role model for millions, and fought tirelessly for equality. Congratulations on a tremendous career – good luck in the World Cup"!

Harris further uploaded a photo of the pair posing for the camera at the White House while dressed in Pantsuits. Following in line was President Joe Biden, who eulogized the soccer star, writing, "World Cup and Olympic Champion. Medal of Freedom recipient. Tireless advocate of equal pay for women and for the dignity and respect of all. Congrats on an incredible career.

He concluded, adding, Looking forward to seeing how you continue to help people believe in themselves and the possibilities of our nation."

Attached to his tweet was a heartwarming image of the duo exchanging pleasantries and shaking hands while smiling enthusiastically at each other.  Serena William's husband, Alexis Ohanian, also declared his support, writing, "You have So much to be proud of"!

While fans expressed their adoration for Rapinoe on the Bird app, others took to Instagram to continue the show of admiration. 

It must be pointed out that the legacy that Rapinoe has left behind in women's sports would forever be cherished as she was described by US Soccer as "one of the most impactful figures in the history of soccer in the United States and the global women's game."

Conveying their love for the athlete, her famous friends, including her partner Sue Bird honored her with empowering words. Bird wrote, "Congrats, baby!! That little girl is going to continue to do so much good in this world (but she sure did kill it on the field ?). I love you ❤."

Fellow soccer player Abby Wambach penned, "Your bravery and the way you have shown up for all these years continues to stun me Pinoe! You are a LEGEND. Go on and get yourself another World Cup, and then give yourself a much-deserved rest and recovery ❤??."

American actress and activist Sophia Bush wrote, "Pinoe!! You legend. What you've done for the game… It's immeasurable. Crazy to think that this is just the beginning bb. 'Cause what comes next!? The world ain't readyyyyyy ???"

Meanwhile, stand-up comedian and actress Wanda Sykes added, "Legend! Thank you. World Cup, let's go!"