Megan Rapinoe is Coming Under Fire

Megan Rapinoe has caused uproar on social media after telling reporters she doesn't believe in God.

Throughout her two-decade career, the winger and LGBTQ activist has been a divisive figure. Rapinoe played in three World Cup tournaments with the United States Women's National Soccer Team (USWNT)—including the two wins in 2015 and 2019—and helped the U.S. team win a gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

The soccer star played her final game with the NWSL yesterday at San Diego's Snapdragon Stadium. However, she was injured six minutes into the match, with her team—Seattle's Ol Reign—losing 2-1 to New Jersey-based Gotham FC.

In the post-game press conference, Rapinoe joked that the suspected Achilles injury proved that God isn't real.

"I'm not a religious person or anything," the 38-year-old said. "And if there was a God, like, this is proof that their isn't, because this is f**** up.

"So, yeah, it's just, it's just f***** up. You know, it's like six minutes and f***** my Achilles."

After a clip of the interview was shared on X—the social network formerly known as Twitter—by user Collin Rugg, it quickly went viral, receiving 2.4 million views.

"NEW: Woke soccer player Megan Rapinoe says there is no way God could possibly exist because she got hurt while playing soccer," the co-owner of conservative commentary site Trending Politics wrote, dubbing Rapinoe a "clown."

"Megan Rapinoe is precisely what you think she is: classless and loathsome," commented Jason Rantz.

"Spoken like a true narcissist," said Joe, while X9 wrote: "Name a more unlikeable footballer, I dare you."

"Very tiresome listening to this privileged person griping about something like this," said SinNombre.

"God just humbled you sweetheart, and it went right over your head," claimed @GetOnTap.

RedWave Press agreed, writing: "I think this proves God does exist. He is punishing Megan for her sinful ways!"

However, other users defended Rapinoe, with Musabu Issa commenting: "She is f****** right there's no proof of god's existence."

"She has the right to believe whatever she wants just as every religious person is entitled to their beliefs," agreed Lady.

"The real truth is, our experience influence the way we see an perceive things in life. I wish her well and hope nobody speaks ill against her."

Newsweek has reached out to Megan Rapinoe for comment via email.

In August, Rapinoe played her final World Cup match with the USWNT. However, her decision not to sing the national anthem caused controversy online amongst conservatives.

Off the pitch, Rapinoe is well-known for her LGBTQ and women's rights activism.

She was one of multiple USWNT players to battle for equal pay with men's soccer teams, taking part in a successful lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation in 2019. In 2021, Rapinoe vocally criticized legislative attempts nationwide to ban transgender children from sports, and in 2022, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her work.