To receive her Presidential Medal of Freedom, Megan Rapinoe had to sit out the CONCACAF W Championship match against Jamaica in Monterrey, Mexico. Instead, the US Women’s National Soccer Team forward was at the White House, shaking hands with US President Joe Biden and receiving the highest civilian award in America.

The list of selected individuals also included gymnastics GOAT Simone Biles, and Rapinoe joined the fairly short list of six female sports personalities ever to be awarded. She is also the first soccer player to be honored.

Megan Rapinoe returns to Monterrey

Even with the star forward absent, the US Women’s National Team routed Jamaica with a 5-0 victory on Thursday. Now with two victories, the United States has secured a spot to qualify for next summer’s World Cup and the Olympics. Megan Rapinoe, meanwhile, was making history in Washington, D.C.

As the USWNT returned to their accommodation, Megan Rapinoe was waiting for them. The Olympic champion had chartered back to Mexico after receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House. The 22 teammates received her with great pomp and show.

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“Colin Kaepernick You Are So Brave”: Presidential Medal of Freedom Receiver and Soccer Legend Megan Rapinoe Names Former Niner QB as Her Ultimate Inspiration

At the ceremony in Washington, Rapinoe paid tribute to WNBA star Brittney Griner, threading “BG” with a flower into the lapel of her jacket. She posted a picture of the same on her Instagram story and wrote, “the most important part of today” and “BG We Love You”.

Griner has been detained in Russia and charged with “large-scale transportation of drugs.” She pleaded guilty to drug charges in Russian court but maintained no intent to break the law. She said in her statement, “I’d like to plead guilty, your honor. But there was no intent. I didn’t want to break the law.” She is facing up to 10 years in prison.

Why Rapinoe is important for USWNT

The USWNT  managed just fine without Megan Rapinoe against Jamaica. But the OL Reign captain is still crucial to team harmony. We know Rapinoe can change the flow of the game on a dime. 

As a seasoned player, the 37-year-old brings a lot to the table. Her level of professionalism and mentorship can help many on the young squad. Formerly, the two-time Women’s World Cup champion has brought glory to the team in the capacity of captain. 

At the 2019 World Cup, Rapinoe won the Golden Ball and Golden Boot, bringing the U.S. its second World Cup victory. All the while, she was battling the U.S. Soccer Federation for equal pay for her team. 

The initial skepticism over Rapinoe’s return to the team had more to do with injury. After recovering from an ankle injury, the soccer veteran pulled a calf muscle. But now, we’ll soon see Rapinoe back on the field against Mexico on 11 July.

President Joe Biden’s Call Felt Like a Prank to USWNT Star Megan Rapinoe