Legendary American soccer figure Megan Rapinoe experiences jersey retirement by her previous NWSL team, Seattle Reign.
Two-time World Cup champion and Olympic medalist winner, she was presented with her No. 15 jersey in a frame and was greeted with a warm applause from the 16,598 spectators at Lumen Field, breaking the team's record for second-largest attendance during a regular season game.
The 39-year-old Rapinoe considered the day as "very special" and expressed her gratitude towards the club, fans, and her family for the recognition.
“You’ll always find my No. 15 looking at you,” Rapinoe announced, addressing the crowd. “Every Rainbow Pride flag, every Trans Rights flag, every Black Lives Matter flag, every Equal Pay flag, and every F**k Portland flag.
“I see purple hair, pink hair, and blue hair dyed with a short streak. I see families that I feel I’ve grown up with, and people I have shared memorable moments with... Know that whenever you look up at me, I am looking up at you and remembering all the fantastic events we shared together.”
Rapinoe turned her footsteps away from soccer at the end of the 2023 NWSL season.
Apart from her outstanding achievements on the pitch, Rapinoe is renowned for her advocacy work, tackling issues ranging from LGBTQ+ rights to racial inequalities to gender and pay equity. She became the first soccer player to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022.
“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to every fan and supporter of this club, not only me but also those who have backed the entire team throughout the years," Rapinoe expressed her gratitude. “It means more to me than I can ever express in words... I have been a part of the club for the past 11 years as a player. I will continue to be a part of its future, celebrating victories with you all.”
An enormous banner of Rapinoe was hoisted atop Lumen Field, bearing the caption "You Changed the Game #15," while fans displayed a "R15E" banner in pink and black colors.
Dramatic Late Winner for Seattle
Rapinoe's ceremony was followed by an unforgettable night for the Reign, making their returning from the league's break for the Olympic Games none loser.
The first half ended in a stalemate, but Seattle started to take control. Ji So-yun, Jordyn Huitema, Tziarra King, and Jaelin Howell all came close to scoring before Howell hit the post after being substituted in for her debut.
As the match appeared to be ending in a scoreless draw, teenage Emeri Adames took matters into her own hands.
Seven minutes into stoppage time, Veronica Latsko launched a cross into the box, where Adames rose highest, beating the Courage goalkeeper Casey Murphy, to head the ball beyond her and send the home crowd into ecstatic cheers.
The match-winning goal was officially recorded as an own goal by Murphy, but Seattle's players didn't care as they swarmed Adames, who eventually left the field to reenact Rapinoe's iconic celebration.
The win was Seattle's first regular season victory since May 3, but also marked their unbeaten streak extending to five games, having drawn the previous four matches.
Head coach Laura Harvey also became the first manager in the NWSL to achieve 100 wins, establishing herself as the most successful coach in league history.
Rapinoe's love for sports clearly extends beyond football, as she mentioned various flags representing different causes she supports.
During the celebration of her achievements, Emeri Adames also made a significant impact in the football match that followed, scoring a dramatic late winner for Seattle.
