Megan Rapinoe
Megan Rapinoe has left an indelible mark both in sports and on the political stage, leveraging her prominence to champion LGBTQ rights and social justice causes. She played a pivotal role in securing the U.S.’s second consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup championship in 2019 and was a key member of the team that clinched the gold medal at the 2012 Olympics.
In a historic moment, Rapinoe was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022, becoming the first soccer player to receive this prestigious civilian award. Her retirement from professional soccer in 2023, after a final season with O.L. Reign, marked the end of a distinguished 17-year international career with the USWNT. Her farewell match against South Africa symbolized the culmination of a remarkable journey celebrated by fans worldwide.