Megan Rapinoe, the legendary American soccer star, remains a vocal advocate for LGBTQ inclusion in sports, standing by her 2019 World Cup statement that LGBTQ players are essential to championship success. During the 2019 Women’s World Cup, Team USA, guided by Rapinoe, achieved an historic victory, with several openly gay players contributing to the team’s triumph. Rapinoe reflected on the team’s composition, stating, ‘Our team was super gay in 2019,’ emphasizing the strong representation of LGBTQ athletes and fans. Her remarks underscored the importance of having openly gay players on the roster, which she believes is crucial for success in high-stakes competitions. Despite her ongoing advocacy, Rapinoe has also faced political scrutiny, particularly regarding her comments on Trump’s potential return to the presidency, which she expressed concerns over the potential impact on the transgender community.
During the 2019 tournament, Team USA featured five publicly LGBTQ players, including stars Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris, who were engaged at the time. The team’s support for the LGBTQ community was further highlighted by the presence of an openly gay coach, Jillian Ellis, and a growing number of openly lesbian and bisexual players compared to the 2015 tournament. Rapinoe’s role in the team’s success was pivotal, as she scored six goals and provided two assists during the tournament. Her contributions earned her a place among the top performers in U.S. women’s soccer history. However, she noted that the 2023 World Cup would be her last, as the team was eliminated by Sweden in penalty kicks, marking the end of a remarkable career. Rapinoe expressed gratitude for her long-standing career and the opportunities she has had to play at the highest level.
Rapinoe’s activism extends beyond the field, as she has consistently spoken out about the importance of LGBTQ rights and the challenges faced by trans individuals in America. Her comments during the 2019 World Cup, where she famously told her wife, Sue Bird, ‘You can’t win a championship without gays,’ have become emblematic of her advocacy for inclusivity in sports. Despite her success on the field, Rapinoe has also faced criticism, particularly from President Trump, who once tweeted a response to her comments, stating that she should ‘WIN first before she TALKS’ and emphasizing her responsibility to respect the U.S. flag and the White House. Rapinoe’s remarks highlight the intersection of sports and social activism, illustrating how athletes can use their platform to advocate for societal change and raise awareness about critical issues facing the LGBTQ community in the United States.