In her final game for the U.S. women’s national soccer team, Megan Rapinoe stayed true to her protest during the national anthem. Prior to the team’s 2-0 victory against South Africa, Rapinoe stood for the anthem but refrained from singing and kept her hands behind her back.
Rapinoe, who was the first American professional athlete to follow Colin Kaepernick’s lead and kneel during the national anthem in 2016, made the decision to continue her protest in her own way after facing backlash. She sees the anthem as a “somber moment” for a “peaceful protest” against inequality and injustice in the United States.
In an interview with Yahoo Sports, Rapinoe expressed that she would require significant progress in areas such as criminal justice reform, closing the inequality gap, and LGBTQ rights before she would consider singing the anthem again. She stated her hesitation to put her hand over her heart and to sing the national anthem in the future.
Throughout her soccer career spanning about seven years, Rapinoe has noticed the diversity among the spectators at matches. She finds it heartening to see young Black girls and transgender children proudly wearing their jerseys, recognizing the impact she and her teammates have made, particularly within their generation.
During her farewell match, Rapinoe was honored with a framed jersey commemorating her 203 appearances for the U.S. team. As the crowd erupted in cheers, she raised her arms in appreciation. Rapinoe expressed her gratitude for the support she has received from fans, acknowledging their significant role in the team’s success both on and off the field.
As Rapinoe concludes her international career, she leaves behind a legacy as a player who was not afraid to use her platform to advocate for social change and challenge the status quo. Her unwavering commitment to fighting for equality and justice has made a lasting impact on the game of soccer and inspired athletes worldwide.
Leave a Reply