U.S. Soccer Star Megan Rapinoe Suffers Career-Ending Injury in NWSL Championship
Rapinoe’s Achilles Tear Forces Early Exit from Final Match
In a heartbreaking turn of events, U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe suffered a career-ending injury during the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Championship on Saturday. Rapinoe, playing for OL Reign, went down in the sixth minute as her team lost to Gotham FC.
Rapinoe, a renowned forward, believes she tore her Achilles tendon during the match. Despite the severity of the injury, she tried to maintain a positive outlook, even jokingly referring to it as the “Aaron Rodgers treatment” in the post-match press conference. She expressed her intention to reach out to the Green Bay Packers quarterback or the surgeon who operated on him.
“I’m not a religious person or anything, and if there was a god, like, this is proof that there isn’t,” Rapinoe candidly stated. “This is f—ed up. It’s just f—ed up. Six minutes in and I eat my Achilles.”
The injury occurred when Rapinoe attempted a defensive play, resulting in a non-contact injury. Emotionally overwhelmed, she received immediate medical attention before leaving the game, effectively ending her night and her illustrious career.
Before departing the field, Rapinoe shared a poignant moment with former USWNT teammate Ali Krieger, who plays for Gotham FC and was also participating in her final professional game.
“Everyone is always like, ‘Who kicked me?’ And obviously no one was even around me, and I was pressing,” Rapinoe explained when describing the injury. “That’s what it felt like. Just a huge pop, and I can’t even feel where the Achilles is, but I’m pretty sure I tore it. The worst possible outcome.”
Despite the devastating turn of events, Rapinoe expressed gratitude for her sense of humor, which she believes will help her cope with the early end to her career. She acknowledged the disappointment of exiting a final match so early.
Rapinoe’s time with the Reign saw her score four goals and provide five assists in 15 matches during the 2023 season. She exclusively played for the Reign in the NWSL, leaving an indelible mark on the team and the league.
As the soccer world mourns the loss of one of its brightest stars, Rapinoe’s injury serves as a reminder of the fragility of athletic careers and the resilience required to overcome such setbacks.