After a surprising loss to Sweden in her final World Cup, Megan Rapinoe faced criticism for the USWNT’s performance, marking it as their worst World Cup showing.
When questioned about her most cherished memory while playing for the team, many expected Rapinoe to mention a triumphant moment in her career. Instead, she chose to highlight the ‘equal pay chants’, an issue close to her heart, which has been a focal point of her activism off the field.
While Rapinoe’s advocacy has earned admiration from many quarters, it has also been a point of contention for some fans. They believe her activism detracts from her dedication to the game, especially since she often critiques America while representing it internationally.
However, in her defense, Rapinoe emphasized the importance of the team’s bigger fight, stating, “I think this team has always fought for so much more, and that’s been the most rewarding part for me… to know that we’ve used our really special talent to do something that’s really like … change the world forever.”
Some critics argue that Rapinoe’s priorities lie more in political activism than in representing America in the sport.