USWNT icon Megan Rapinoe recently wrote an article for MarieClaire.com where she revealed that she has been getting "flagged" as a brand "risk" for companies.
In the article, Rapinoe alleged that her outspoken support for transgender rights have been flagged by certain brands - one of which dropped her while she was on her way to do a shoot for them - due to "false fearmongering" from "anti-inclusion politicians."
"The brand had recently implemented AI software that flagged potential talent for “risk.” Mine was that I spoke in support of trans rights. Anti-inclusion politicians have made the conversation around trans athletes in sports so muddied and full of false fearmongering that brands lacking moral clarity are running from mere association," Rapinoe wrote.
Rapinoe the Icon
Rapinoe enjoyed one of the most accomplished careers in women's soccer history, starring for both club and country over nearly two decades. After beginning her professional career in the inaugural Women's Professional Soccer league, Rapinoe became a cornerstone of the OL Reign in the National Women's Soccer League while also spending time with clubs in Australia, France, and England.
Internationally, she earned 203 caps for the United States, scoring 63 goals and recording 73 assists. Rapinoe helped lead the U.S. to two FIFA Women's World Cup titles (2015 and 2019), an Olympic gold medal at the 2012 London Games, and a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Her standout performance at the 2019 Women's World Cup saw her win the Golden Boot as the tournament's leading scorer and the Golden Ball as its best player while guiding the Americans to another world championship.
© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images.
Beyond her on-field success, Rapinoe became one of the sport's most influential figures through her leadership and advocacy. She was named The Best FIFA Women's Player in 2019 and received the Ballon d'Or Féminin the same year after one of the greatest individual seasons in women's soccer history.
Known for her elite crossing ability, precise left foot, and clutch performances in major tournaments, Rapinoe also became a leading voice for equal pay, LGBTQ+ rights, and social justice throughout her career. She retired following the 2023 NWSL season as one of the most decorated players in U.S. soccer history.
