Rome, 13 Nov. (LaPresse/AP) – Former US national team stars Megan Rapinoe, Jozy Altidore and Julie Ertz have been inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. David Beckham – who has contributed to the development of football in the United States, first with his move to LA Galaxy in 2007 and later as owner of Inter Miami – has also been inducted into the Hall of Fame in the veterans’ category. The induction ceremony will take place on 16 April at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Plano, Texas. During her career, Rapinoe won two World Cup titles, an Olympic gold medal and the Ballon d’Or in 2019. In 2022, she was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honour in the United States. She retired from the national team in 2023, having scored 63 goals and provided 73 assists in 203 appearances. She also played for Seattle Reign in the National Women’s Soccer League from the league’s founding in 2013 until her retirement. Rapinoe was inducted into the Hall of Fame, in the category for players, in her very first year of eligibility. Her family, friends and a group of supporters surprised her by announcing her induction upon her arrival at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. “To be counted amongst the greatest players who have worn our club and national team shirts, alongside so many of my team-mates and friends, and to receive such an honour means that you have been successful and that you have been part of extraordinary teams. Yes, I have been part of fantastic teams, and it really is something special,” Rapinoe said in a video posted on social media.
Rapinoe, Beckham and Altidore inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame
Rome, 13 Nov. (LaPresse/AP) – Former US national team stars Megan Rapinoe, Jozy Altidore and Julie Ertz have been inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. David Beckham – who has contributed to the development of football in the United States, first with his move to LA Galaxy in 2007 and later as owner of Inter Miami – has also been inducted into the Hall of Fame in the veterans’ category. The induction ceremony will take place on 16 April at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Plano, Texas. During her career, Rapinoe won two World Cup titles, an Olympic gold medal and the Ballon d’Or in 2019. In 2022, she was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honour in the United States. She retired from the national team in 2023, having scored 63 goals and provided 73 assists in 203 appearances. She also played for Seattle Reign in the National Women’s Soccer League from the league’s founding in 2013 until her retirement. Rapinoe was inducted into the Hall of Fame, in the category for players, in her very first year of eligibility. Her family, friends and a group of supporters surprised her by announcing her induction upon her arrival at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. “To be counted amongst the greatest players who have worn our club and national team shirts, alongside so many of my team-mates and friends, and to receive such an honour means that you have been successful and that you have been part of extraordinary teams. Yes, I have been part of fantastic teams, and it really is something special,” Rapinoe said in a video posted on social media.