Wiegman hails Rapinoe influence on women’s football as legend plays final USA game

Sarina Wiegman has lauded Megan Rapinoe for her influence in the growth of women’s football across the world.

The USA legend played her final ever international game on Sunday as the USWNT beat South Africa 2-0 in a friendly.

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Ahead of the World Cup, Rapinoe announced that she will retire from the game at the end of the current season.

She has been a hugely influential figure on the pitch as well as off it thanks to her role on campaigning for equal pay, as well as standing up for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and against racism.

Rapinoe, who plays for American club OL Reign, is now approaching the final weeks of her playing career and Wiegman has hailed the 38-year-old.

Speaking on Monday, the England women’s boss said: “I think she is one of the most important players.

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“I think the US were the trailblazers in women’s football, and also [for] the position of women in society.

“I think we should be all very thankful for what she leaves behind. I have so much respect for her.”

Rapinoe made 203 appearances for the USA and won the World Cup in 2015 and 2019, as well as the Ballon d’Or in the latter year.

She has certainly been a figure keen to drive change in women’s football and Wiegman was asked if her England stars could do the same.

“I think this group of women are very conscious of society too and using the platform in a positive way to change society,” Wiegman responded.

“They are so outspoken and well spoken, they articulate themselves so well.”

Wiegman and her Lionesses returned to action on Friday after their World Cup final heartbreak against Spain in the summer.

They beat Scotland 2-1 in the Nations League, with the Netherlands up next for England on Tuesday night.