American soccer player Megan Rapinoe announced Saturday that she will retire at the end of the National Women’s Soccer League season, just days before her fourth World Cup.

“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 said.

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Here are controversial activism moments Megan Rapinoe has been a part of-

Supporting Black Lives Matter

Rapinoe kneeled during the national anthem before a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) game in 2016 to show solidarity with Colin Kaepernick’s protest against racial inequality and police brutality. This action elicited both support and criticism from a wide range of people, including politicians and fans.

White House Comments

Rapinoe stated after the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) won the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup that she would not visit the White House if the team was invited by then-President Donald Trump. Her comments drew mixed reactions and fueled the ongoing debate about athletes visiting the White House to make a political statement.

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FIFA Women’s World Cup Celebration

Rapinoe was captured on video during the USWNT victory parade following the 2019 World Cup, saying, “I deserve this” in reference to her success and the team’s achievements. Some criticized her for being arrogant and disrespectful to her teammates and opponents.

Demanding Equal Pay

Rapinoe has been a vocal supporter of gender pay equality in soccer. She has criticized the disparity in pay between male and female athletes and has advocated for increased compensation and investment in women’s sports. While many people support her stance, others have argued against it, citing revenue disparities and other factors that influence professional sports salaries.

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Political Activism and Sponsorship

Rapinoe’s public persona and endorsements have frequently collided with her activism. She has worked on campaigns to promote LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and racial justice. While many people applaud her efforts to use her platform for social change, others believe that athletes should concentrate solely on their sport and avoid mixing politics and sports.