Sawt Falasteen - United States women's star Rapinoe to retire at end of season

"It is with a deep sense of peace & gratitude that I have decided this will be my final season playing this beautiful game," the 38-year-old posted.

"I never could have imagined the ways in which soccer would shape and change my life forever," she added.

The two-time World Cup winner, well known for her activism, is part of the USA squad for the upcoming women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Rapinoe plays in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) for Seattle based OL Reign -- their season concludes in November.

The winger currently has 199 caps over a span of 17 years playing for her country and also won an Olympic gold medal in London in 2012.

She was awarded the Best FIFA Women's Player in 2019 but her fame came as much for her espousal of causes and her campaigning as for her skills on the field.

Rapinoe publicly came out as gay in July 2012 and has been a high-profile campaigner on social issues including LGBTQ+ rights, racial inequality and gender and pay equality.

She was a leading voice in the US women's teams successful fight for equal pay and conditions which resulted in a law suit and eventual new collective agreement being struck in 2021.

Rapinoe made headlines in 2016 when she took a knee during the national anthem in solidarity with NFL player Colin Kaepernick.

"I've been able to have such an incredible career, and this game has brought me all over the world and allowed me to meet so many amazing people," said Rapinoe.

"I feel incredibly grateful to have played as long as I have, to be as successful as we've been, and to have been a part of a generation of players who undoubtedly left the game better than they found it."

"To be able to play one last World Cup and one last NWSL season and go out on my own terms is incredibly special," she added.

US women's team coach Vlatko Andonovski said Rapinoe remained an important part of the team for the World Cup which starts on July 20.

"Megan Rapinoe is one of the most important players in women's soccer history and a personality like no other," he said.

"She has produced so many memorable moments for her team and the fans on the field that will be remembered for a very long time, but her impact on people as a human being may be even more important.

"It's been a wonderful experience to coach her in the NWSL and for the national team and I'm looking forward to her being an important part of our team at the World Cup."

N.Shalabi--SF-PST