Megan Rapinoe Maintains Protest, Didn't Sing National Anthem Before Final USWNT Match

Megan Rapinoe maintained her consistent protest stance before playing her final game with the US women's national soccer team (USWNT) on Sunday, facing South Africa, according to Fox News.

Despite the American team's 2-0 victory, Rapinoe continued her national anthem protest as she stood but refrained from singing and kept her hands behind her back.

This gesture echoes her protest that began in 2016 when she kneeled during the national anthem, following in the footsteps of Colin Kaepernick, the first American pro athlete to do so.

Facing backlash, she later opted to stand but expressed her protest in her own way. In an interview with Yahoo Sports, Rapinoe described the anthem as a "somber moment" for her, symbolizing a "peaceful protest" against inequality and injustice in the United States.

She articulated her conditions for singing the anthem again, which included demands for criminal justice reform, addressing the inequality gap, and progress on LGBTQ rights.

"I'll probably never put my hand over my heart. I'll probably never sing the national anthem again," she stated at the time.

Megan Rapinoe's Final USWNT Match

Megan Rapinoe's final match with the USWNT was marked by a stellar performance, as her corner kick in the 49th minute led to an Emily Sonnett goal, giving the US a 2-0 lead, per the NY Post.

She was subbed out five minutes later, walking off the field for the last time as a member of Team USA while embracing her coaches and teammates.

After the game, a video tribute was dedicated to Rapinoe, and she addressed the crowd, expressing her gratitude for the support she received from her teammates, staff, and the fans who played a significant role in their success.

Surrounded by her family and fiancée, retired WNBA star Sue Bird, Rapinoe was presented with a framed jersey representing her 203 games with the US women's national team.

Her illustrious career boasts an impressive trophy collection that rivals few athletes.

Megan Rapinoe: First Soccer Player Awarded With Presidential Medal of Freedom

Rapinoe, who came out as gay in 2012 and engaged to Sue Bird in 2020, is an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ issues, including transgender rights.

She became the first soccer player to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, from President Joe Biden in 2022, KOMO News noted.

Rapinoe's activism extends to her support for former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the fight for racial equity by kneeling during the national anthem.

She has noted a positive shift in the diversity of the audience in the stands, highlighting the impact of her generation's efforts, particularly in inspiring and empowering young Black and transgender individuals who now proudly wear her jersey.

She finds this transformation a source of pride and a testament to the progress made.

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Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Megan Rapinoe's Farewell Speech | September 24, 2023 - From U.S. Soccer