Megan Rapinoe Sparks Furious Debate Online For Her 'Joke' About 'God'

Megan Rapinoe faced backlash for joking about her Achilles tendon injury during her final soccer match. Critics on social media condemned her comments, celebrating her exit from Team USA and mocking the injury. Despite the controversy, many defended Rapinoe, urging respect for her right to express her beliefs.

The soccer icon sustained a non-contact Achilles injury during the National Women's Soccer League Championship, marking the end of her playing career. In her emotional farewell, Rapinoe expressed gratitude to fans and hinted at a future return to the media landscape.

Soccer icon Rapinoe came under fire after making a joke about her injury during her final match. In response to her Achilles injury, Rapinoe quipped, "I'm not a religious person or anything, and if there was a God, like, this is proof that there isn't. This is f----- up. It's just f----- up. Six minutes in, and I eat my Achilles."

Critics on social media condemned her remarks, with some taking to X (formerly Twitter) to express joy over her exit from Team USA and mocking the injury.

"I am so happy that Megan Rapinoe who MOCKED GOD after her injury is no longer representing TEAM USA!!!" one user wrote.

Another wrote: "I was hoping she would get everything she deserves. I'm good with this. It's a good start."

A third person suggested it was all an act, writing: "Randomly falling over on the ground without even being touched. So fitting."

A fourth quipped: "Megan Rapinoe thinks that her being injured by an invisible opponent is somehow evidence that God doesn't exist. Victim mentality to the bitter end."

However, others defended Rapinoe, urging respect for her right to express her beliefs. 

One supporter wrote, "I've seen some pretty disgusting comments about her because of this, but frankly I think people are being overly sensitive to a joke." They continued: "If you want people to respect your religious beliefs then you should respect theirs. That includes their right to not believe in God."

Another criticized the cruelty in celebrating her injury despite political differences, adding: "It's easy to dunk on Megan Rapinoe getting injured in her final game. It's cruel and sinful to do this. She may have bad politics, but to glory in her injury is not the play here."

While attempting a defensive play in the final game during the National Women's Soccer League Championship, Rapinoe sustained a non-contact Achilles injury that marked the end of her playing career in the sixth minute as OL Reign confronted defeat against Gotham FC.

Addressing reporters in the post-match press conference, Rapinoe amusingly alluded to seeking the "Aaron Rodgers treatment" for recovery. 

While detailing the injury to The Seattle Times, the 38-year-old noted, "That's what it felt like. Just a huge pop, and I can't even feel where the Achilles is, but I'm pretty sure I tore my Achilles. The worst possible outcome."

In a poignant farewell, Rapinoe bid an emotional adieu to fans after her last match. She expressed deep gratitude to fans, stating it was an "honor to wear this shirt and play out my childhood dream."

Addressing supporters in Chicago, the Olympic star reflected on their collective journey. "We have fought so hard on the field, had so much fun, been so successful," she reminisced. 

Rapinoe continued, "We fought so hard off the field to continue to create more space for ourselves to be who we are, but hopefully, in turn, more space for you guys to be who you are."

Despite her controversial history, Rapinoe is celebrated as one of women's soccer's most influential figures, securing her legacy with two World Cup triumphs, 203 USWNT caps, three NWSL Shields at OL Reign, and a 2019 Ballon d'Or Feminin.

Now that her illustrious career has come to an end, her future post-soccer remains undisclosed, but she hints at a return to the media landscape.

Reflecting on her retirement, she expressed her gratitude, stating: "I feel so lucky and so grateful to have played as long as I've played and to have played with the incredible players that I've played (with)."

She continued: "Every sort of new cycle that I've come with, I've gotten close to certain players and built relationships and played with some of the very best players in the world" "I'm retiring on the field, but you'll definitely be seeing a lot of me off of it," Rapinoe affirmed after the NWSL Championship game.

We wish Megan Rapinoe a speedy recovery and a happy retirement!