United States women's soccer player Megan Rapinoe is to retire at the end of this season. -AP
United States women's soccer star Megan Rapinoe has said she will retire at the end of this year after an illustrious career in which she won an Olympic gold medal, two World Cups and never shied away from using her platform to spotlight social issues.
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Rapinoe, 38, announced on Saturday that her fourth World Cup, starting in Australia and New Zealand this month, will be her last.
She added she'll retire completely at the end of the National Women's Soccer League season.
She made the announcement on Twitter, saying she "never could have imagined the ways in which soccer would shape & change my life forever."
"It is with a deep sense of peace & gratitude that I have decided this will be my final season playing this beautiful game," Rapinoe said.
At the 2019 World Cup Rapinoe claimed the top scorer Golden Boot, the Golden Ball for the best overall player, and subsequently, the year's Ballon d'Or and the Best FIFA Women's Player awards.
An outspoken advocate for equal pay in women's soccer and supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, President Joe Biden last year awarded Rapinoe the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.
Rapinoe was the first white athlete and first female to kneel during the national anthem in solidarity with former NFL player Colin Kaepernick.
