Former soccer star Megan Rapinoe recently made controversial comments about her time playing for the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT). In the Netflix documentary “Under Pressure: The U.S. Women’s World Cup Team,” Rapinoe referred to being a member of the team as the “worst job in the world” due to the constant criticism she faced. This statement has sparked backlash and brought attention to the pressures facing professional athletes.
Rapinoe, a known liberal activist, retired from soccer this year after a successful career with the USWNT. However, she faced harsh criticism when the team suffered their worst performance in team history, losing their first World Cup since 2011. In a moment that caused controversy, Rapinoe laughed after missing a penalty kick that contributed to the team’s early exit. She later defended her reaction as “dark comedy” and explained that missing a penalty kick was not something that happened often in her career.
Despite the team’s loss, Rapinoe has achieved incredible fame and financial success. According to The New York Times, the average salary for USWNT players in 2019 ranged from $100,000 to $400,000 annually. Rapinoe’s endorsements from major companies like Nike, Procter & Gamble, and Victoria’s Secret, as well as a book deal, have earned her an estimated net worth of $5 million, according to Parade.
However, Rapinoe’s retirement plans were cut short when she suffered a torn Achilles tendon in her last game in November. In an emotional post-game interview, Rapinoe declared the injury as proof that God does not exist. She stated, “I’m not a religious person or anything and if there was a God, this is proof that there isn’t. This is f***ed up.”
Former U.S. Women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe makes ridiculous claims about the very sport that made her rich and famous.
In a new Nextflix series, she said playing for the USWNT was the “worst job in the world,”#Meganrapinoe pic.twitter.com/g1hw59Iomd
— Fast Press News (@fastpressdaily) December 18, 2023
Her comments have sparked controversy and drawn criticism from those who view them as disrespectful and insensitive. Some have also pointed out that her statement reinforces negative stereotypes about athletes being entitled and ungrateful for their success.
