Team USA women’s soccer icon Megan Rapinoe is doubling down on a bold statement from 2019, reflecting on her unforgettable World Cup journey during Pride Month. "You can't win championships without the gays," she recently shared with her wife, Sue Bird, on their podcast. It’s a sentiment she first voiced during the 2019 Women’s World Cup after a thrilling quarterfinal win against host nation France, adding with a wink, "That’s science, right there!"

Rapinoe’s pride in her identity and her team shines through as she reminisces about that victorious year. "Our team was super gay in 2019," she noted, highlighting the significant presence of openly LGBTQ players, including herself, Ali Krieger, Ashlyn Harris, and coach Jillian Ellis. With around 40 lesbian and bisexual athletes competing in that tournament—a sharp rise from 2015—the visibility of diversity in women’s soccer was undeniable. For Rapinoe, playing as an out and proud athlete during Pride Month at the World Cup was nothing short of "fabulous."

On the field, her performance was electric. Rapinoe played a pivotal role in securing back-to-back World Cup titles for Team USA, scoring a crucial penalty kick in the 2019 final against the Netherlands to clinch a 2-0 victory. With six goals and two assists in just five matches that year, her impact was immense. Though the dream of a third consecutive title ended in 2023 with a penalty shootout loss to Sweden, Rapinoe remains grateful for her long and storied career, which includes 63 goals and 73 assists in 2023 appearances for Team USA.

Off the pitch, Rapinoe has never shied away from speaking her mind. Her refusal to visit the White House in 2019 during Donald Trump’s first term made headlines, as did her recent podcast comments expressing concern over his 2024 election win. She voiced fears for vulnerable communities, particularly transgender individuals and those affected by potential policy shifts, underscoring her role as both an athlete and an advocate.

As we celebrate Pride Month, Rapinoe’s reflections remind us of the power of representation in sports. Her legacy—both in goals scored and barriers broken—continues to inspire.

Pride Month News

Megan Rapinoe Celebrates Pride Month: Team USA’s ‘Super Gay’ 2019 World Cup Triumph