Megan Rapinoe is a legend in women’s soccer.
Now her number will follow her retirement.
The Seattle Reign will retire Rapinoe’s No. 15 in a ceremony this summer. The National Women’s Soccer League team will honor the out gay athlete in a ceremony.
With Rapinoe on the National Women’s Soccer League squad, the team never won the NWSL title, though they finished the regular season atop the standings three times.
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“I have lived so much life in this jersey and I’m humbled to see it retire alongside me. It represents so much more than myself – a team, a city, and a lifetime of memories,” Rapinoe said in a statement via the Reign. “Thank you to the Reign and to my teammates for the love, the support and the opportunity to leave a piece of my heart on the field.”
With the Reign, Rapinoe earned a spot in the NWSL’s Best XI once, in 2018. She was second-team four times.
Rapinoe retired from professional and competitive soccer in 2023.
Of course, it’s due to her performance with the US Women’s National Team that she made her name, earning FIFA’s Golden Ball and Golden Boot in 2019. She was on the team for two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles. She also was on the teams that won gold and bronze Olympic medals.
“It’s nearly impossible to put into words the impact Pinoe has had in this sport, the league, this city and especially our club,” Seattle Reign FC head coach Laura Harvey said. “She cemented herself as one of the greatest and we’re proud to celebrate all that she has accomplished on the field while wearing the number 15. She made an everlasting impact in our locker room through her loyalty, leadership, courage and commitment.
