When soccer gets political

Megan Rapinoe is one of soccer’s most talented players, yet has an influence and legacy that extends far beyond the pitch. How did one American sportswoman become such a central figure in conversations about homophobia, feminism, and racism?

This episode tracks Rapinoe’s life, from growing up in a relatively poor working-class background to becoming the GOAT of women’s soccer. Mehreen and Simon examine how witnessing severe drug abuse and her family upbringing shaped her understanding of privilege and injustice.

This episode unpicks the polarising views of Megan, which are often at the centre of wider cultural wars. The episode discusses Rapinoe being the first top soccer player to come out (which was actually not too controversial), to being one of the first sportspeople to take the knee in 2016 (which was).

On one hand, Rapinoe is hated by president Donald Trump (“Woke equals failure”) and was once called the “most annoying sportsperson ever” by Piers Morgan. On the other hand, she is celebrated as a figure with a strong moral compass – standing up for injustices, unfair pay, and archaic power structures.

Is Rapinoe the new model for the next generation of sports stars? Or should politics be kept off the pitch?

Time stamps:

0:36: Introduction

4:43: A child of Trump’s America

9:45: A growing childhood interest in soccer

11:42: Recognising privilege and witnessing fentanyl addiction

17:17: College scholarship and move to Oregon

20:25: Discovering her sexuality

25:59: A poorly-paid pro, viral moments, and coming out

29:45: Intersectionality, homophobia, and equal pay

33:23: Racism and taking the knee in 2016

38:39: Trump vs. Rapinoe (with a father that votes for him)