City of Auckland, New Zealand – Kelley O’Hara tried to hold back her tears on Tuesday as she urged her USA colleagues send national team legends Megan Rapinoe Retire in the best possible way.
By winning the World Cup.
Rapinoe has been one of the faces of global women’s football for over a decade but stated before the tournament that this will be her last World Cup and that she will quit football at the end of the present Northwest campaign.
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Although the news was not entirely surprising – 38-year-old Rapinoe – O’Hara’s reaction when asked about her friend at the US media availability in downtown Auckland, showed shock. How early losing such a puppet player still affects the team .
And, quite possibly, provide the ultimate boost.
“There’s never been anyone like her, probably never will be near her,” defender O’Hara, 34, said, her voice cracking. “So it’s sad to think this is her last, but she’s done such incredible things for this team and for the world. To be able to see ‘Pinoe’ up close and personal. and being around that is really special.
“I hope that we all send her out on high.”
As the Americans prepare for their Group E opening match Vietnam (9pm ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app), Rapinoe’s presence remains visible. Rapinoe performed brilliantly for the United States at the 2015 and 2019 World Cups and was arguably the best player in the world for most of that time.
Four years ago, she scored six goals to become the top scorer with her teammates Alex Morgan and England’s Ellen White, as the team completed consecutive wins. Back in 2011, she provided the assist for one of the show’s most famous goals, providing a last-minute pass for an unforgettable equalizer in Abby Wambach’s World Cup quarter-final before Brazil.
However, Rapinoe will be remembered for more than just her kicking ability. A staunch advocate for equal rights, she has served as a voice ambassador for the women’s game, never shy of tackling sensitive topics, even when criticized afterwards. For those on the team, though, she’s most notable for the support she offers younger players.
An example is in the final warm-up match against Wales in San Jose last week. Even though Rapinoe wasn’t in attendance as a precaution, she cheered louder than anyone from the bench and danced excitedly as she did. The Holy Trinity Rodman Score the winning goals.
O’Hara admits she could hardly imagine life without Rapinoe’s bubbling energy and upbeat guidance.
“It’s hard to put into words honestly,” she said. “I know that the world sees the Megan Rapinoe the world sees, but we have to see her up close and personal. And it’s clear that the ‘Pinoe’ the world sees is an extraordinary human being and And that’s who she is up close and personal. She has a sense of humor and lightness, but intense and empathetic and she’s unique.”
Martin Rogers is a columnist for FOX Sports and the author of the FOX Sports Insider newsletter. Follow him on Twitter @MRogersFOX And Sign up for the daily newsletter.
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