The controversial and successful former soccer player has once again caused a stir on social media for her euphoric reaction to a fictional lineup created by her former USWNT teammate, Kelley O’Hara.
This happened during the broadcast of the podcast Just Women’s Sports, in the segment Sports Are Fun!, where O’Hara presented her “Ideal eleven of lesbians… plus Alex Morgan”, provoking laughter, and even suggesting a return to the field by the World Cup winner.
The best USWNT XI
Rapinoe’s line-up would have a classic tactical line-up with a 4-4-2 diamond, in which she brought together several legends of United States women’s soccer: In goal, Brianna Scurry; in defense, Meghan Klingenberg on the left flank, O’Hara on the right flank, and Tierna Davidson along with Ali Krieger as central defenders.
In midfield, Lori Lindsey as a holding midfielder, and an offensive line composed of Christen Press, Tobin Heath and Megan Rapinoe. Finally, up front, the powerful duo of Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan.
This eleven also has the particularity that, with the exception of Morgan, all the players mentioned are openly lesbian. “This team could win the World Cup,” joked former player Merritt Mathias, while O’Hara nodded, even adding names for the bench, such as Kristie Mewis. “You have a bench full of lesbians,” said Mathias with a laugh.
The proposal went viral and reached Rapinoe, who reacted by sharing the lineup on her Instagram stories with a message full of irony and energy: “CONSIDER ME OUT OF RETIREMENT. 2027 HAS NOTHING ON US. ESPRESSO THIS. PUTELLAS THAT. KERR SCHMERRR. BLAH, BLAH. GAYS IN 6″
With this phrase, Rapinoe made a clear allusion to international stars such as Alexia Putellas (Spain) or Sam Kerr (Australia), as well as new figures in American soccer.
Rapinoe talks about the LGBTQ+ community in sport
Although it was clearly a joke in a festive tone for Pride Month, Rapinoe‘s gesture also reflects her ongoing commitment to visibility and representation of the LGBTQ+ community in sport. In the same episode, co-host Sue Bird recalled a famous quote from Rapinoe in 2019: “You can’t win championships without gay players”. The former striker reaffirmed it in a jocular tone: “The first step to building a winning team is to make sure it has gay players”.
Beyond the humor, the phrase reflects the importance of inclusion and diversity within women’s soccer. Rapinoe, who officially retired in 2023, left a mark both on and off the field, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations.
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