Megan Rapinoe has opened up on life with her ‘super gay’ 2019 USA World Cup-winning team as she commemorated pride month with her partner Sue Bird.
Speaking on her ‘A Touch More’ podcast, Bird asked Rapinoe how it felt to play soccer during pride month, which prompted her to discuss her World Cup glory from six years ago.
‘Our team was super gay in 2019,’ Rapinoe said. ‘A lot of us were out, a lot of our fans were gay, a lot of the other players were gay.
‘First and easiest thing to ensure you have is gay players on our team.’
Rapinoe was one of five players who had come out alongside their coach, Jill Ellis,
Her recent comments echo what Rapinoe said at the time when the USA went on to win a second straight World Cup title.
Megan Rapinoe pictured during the 2019 World Cup, which she helped the USA win
Trump pictured in November with Elon Musk, who he has been arguing with this week
After USA beat France in the quarterfinals, Rapinoe said: ‘Go gays!
‘You can’t win a championship without gays on your team – it’s never been done before, ever. That’s science, right there!
‘For me, to be gay and fabulous, during Pride month at the World Cup, is nice.’
Rapinoe also underlined her outspoken reputation at that tournament as she took shots at president Donald Trump during his first term in office.
She said she is ‘not going to the f***ing White House’ if the US won the tournament due to her disdain for Trump and urged her teammates to consider being associated with him.
‘I stand by the comments that I made about not wanting to go to the White House with exception of the expletive,’ Rapinoe said during the tournament.
‘Considering how much time and effort and pride we take in the platform we have, using it for good and leaving the game in a better place and hopefully the world in a better place, I don’t think I would want to go.
‘I would encourage my teammates to think hard about lending that platform or having that co-opted by an administration that doesn’t feel the same way and doesn’t fight for the same things we fight for.’
Rapinoe pictured alongside her long-term partner, the ex-basketballer Sue Bird
Trump responded by saying on X: ‘I am a big fan of the American Team, and Women’s Soccer, but Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job!
‘We haven’t yet invited Megan or the team, but I am now inviting the TEAM, win or lose.
‘Megan should never disrespect our Country, the White House, or our Flag, especially since so much has been done for her & the team. Be proud of the Flag that you wear. The USA is doing GREAT!’
