EXCLUSIVE: Megan Rapinoe and fiancee Sue Bird have lunch in NYC as USWNT player is seen for the first time since shocking World Cup exit
Disgraced USWNT player Megan Rapinoe has been spotted under a cloud of scandal for the first time since her retirement from the Women’s World Cup.
The 38-year-old midfielder returned to New York City – where she recently bought an apartment with fiancé Sue Bird – after her missed penalty kick on August 6 resulted in the US national team’s shock round of 16 in Melbourne.
The disappointing loss marked the final act of Rapinoe’s international career, but exclusive DailyMail.com photos show the footballer is now moving on from the blunder as she retires to the Big Apple.
The athlete was photographed hanging out with retired WNBA star Bird, 42, in their Soho neighborhood on Tuesday, where they met up with another friend for lunch.
Megan Rapinoe stepped out in Soho, Manhattan on Tuesday with partner Sue Bird in her first public appearance since the USWNT’s shock World Cup exit
Rapinoe kept a low profile, wearing a white tank top, beige elasticated waist shorts and loafers, and accompanied by a pair of lavender sunglasses
The midfielder has returned home after her shocking missed penalty knocked out the USWNT at the World Cup on August 6.
Aside from her signature dyed blue locks, Rapinoe kept a low profile, dressed in a white tank top, beige elastic-waisted shorts and loafers, and accessorized with lavender sunglasses.
Matching her partner’s casual vibe, Bird stepped out in a high-neck tank top, sweatpants, and sneakers.
The couple was seen meeting a friend before going for lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Despite the controversy surrounding her disappointing performance at the World Cup, Rapinoe seemed bright and cheerful as the trio chatted over their meal.
The soccer star, who last month announced her decision to retire at the end of the season, looks set to put down her roots in New York as she begins a new chapter in her life after living in Seattle – where she and Bird had played professionally. played for the past few years.
In a feature story for Elle Decor’s September Style issue, Rapinoe revealed that the couple — who began dating in 2017 — took the next step in their relationship two years ago by building a 1,650-square-foot two-bedroom pied-à-terre in Soho together. to buy. .
Rapinoe seems to be settling down in New York after living in Seattle for the past few years
Earlier this month, Rapinoe came under heavy fire for laughing on the pitch after her shocking missed penalty against Sweden
Matching her partner’s casual vibe, Bird stepped out in a high-neck tank top, sweatpants, and sneakers
The pair opened the doors of their home to the magazine as they discussed the various design elements of their new place, enlisting the help of designer Mark Grattan.
In the interview, Rapinoe said that the apartment is a place where they want to stay happy and build a future.
“New York is a very special place for both of us,” she said. ‘Sue is from here. It feels like the place where we fell in love – it feels like home in so many ways.”
Tuesday’s appearance comes after Rapinoe came under heavy fire earlier this month for laughing on the pitch after missing a penalty against Sweden, with critics labeling her as “the epitome of selfish” and “devilishly arrogant”.
The loss was already a devastating blow to the defending World Cup champions, but Rapinoe sparked even more outrage by laughing and grinning as she ran back to the halfway line after kicking the ball over the crossbar.
Rapinoe and several of her USWNT teammates later released statements on social media following their exit from the World Cup.
She didn’t directly comment on the flak she’s received, but she did admit that this was a “cruel” moment in her career.
“This game is so beautiful, even in the cruelest moments. This group was so special and I’m so proud of each of us.” Rapinoe wrote next to a photo of the devastated team.
The couple was seen meeting a friend before going for lunch at a nearby restaurant
Despite the controversy surrounding her disappointing performance at the World Cup, Rapinoe seemed bright and cheerful as the trio chatted outside.
The three enjoyed a two-hour lunch at a Soho restaurant on Tuesday
“This team is in special hands as I walk away, just as it always was and always will be. Because that’s what this team is all about.
“We put everything on the line every time. Fighting with everything we’ve got, for everything we deserve, for every single person we can.
“It has been an honor for me to play for our country for so many years, with so many great women. Thank you, a million times.’
The team’s “unexplained” departure from the tournament sparked calls for a major overhaul of women’s soccer in the United States.
Rapinoe was the co-captain of the USWNT, which had just won its second World Championship on bounce in 2019. She also left France as the tournament’s top scorer, with six goals.
She’s graced magazine covers, starred in ad campaigns, and was even named Sports Illustrated’s 2019 Sportsperson of the Year.
Rapinoe’s international career came to an end on August 6 after she missed a crucial penalty in the World Cup penalty shoot-out against Sweden
The athlete was slapped for smiling and laughing after the missed shot that resulted in the team’s elimination
Rapinoe and several of her USWNT teammates later released statements on social media
But even then, Rapinoe was already a polarizing figure.
In 2016, she became one of the first white athletes to kneel during the national anthem in support of former NFL star Colin Kaepernick.
Her actions led US Soccer to issue a statement expressing her disapproval without directly naming her.
Former teammate Hope Solo has since accused Rapinoe of bullying other members of the US team into taking a knee.
In 2019, she was criticized by former President Donald Trump after stating that she would not run for the White House if the USWNT won the World Cup that year.