Connect with us

News

NWSL Final: Megan Rapinoe Forced To Leave Farewell Game Early Due To Achilles injury

Published

on

There were no other players near Megan Rapinoe as she went down injured at San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium

Megan Rapinoe suffered a painful end to her football career as the American star had to leave the pitch just three minutes into her farewell game.

The two-time World Cup winner, 38, said the National Women’s Soccer League final between OL Reign and NJ/NY Gotham FC was “really the last one”.

But a suspected torn Achilles tendon brought a premature end to her night.

“It was a tough one. It’s definitely not how I envisioned this last one going,” said a tearful Rapinoe.

“Thank you to everyone who’s been on the journey for all this time. It’s been amazing – maybe besides this. I couldn’t have written it any different.”

Gotham won the game 2-1, meaning that although Rapinoe helped USA secure two World Cups and an Olympic gold, she ends her career without an NWSL title – having spent 11 seasons with the Seattle-based Reign.

The 2019 Ballon d’Or winner announced in July, just before playing in her fourth World Cup, that she would retire at the end of the NWSL season.

USA were knocked out by Sweden in the round of 16 and Rapinoe ended her international career with a friendly win over South Africa in Chicago in September.

Rapinoe made her USA debut in 2006 and won 203 caps, scoring 63 goals, while winning the World Cup in 2015 and 2019 as well as the 2012 Olympics.

“I am just super proud of my whole career and really thankful for all that it’s given me and for how long I’ve been able to play,” she said.

“Even though it was a tough night, it was still amazing and I’m so thankful to be here and again, so proud of our group.”

Rapinoe also played for four US teams before the NWSL was founded in 2012, and had spells abroad with Sydney FC and Lyon, helping the latter win the French league in 2013.

‘You’ll definitely be seeing a lot of me off the field’

Injured OL Reign forward Megan Rapinoe hugs NJ/NY Gotham FC defender Ali Krieger as she leaves the 2023 NWSL final
As she left the field Rapinoe was hugged by opponent and former USA team-mate Ali Krieger

Fans gathered at San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium hoping Rapinoe would enjoy a triumphant send-off after her World Cup career ended with a penalty miss in the USA’s shootout defeat to Sweden.

But the crowd was left stunned as Rapinoe went down with no other players near her and, despite receiving treatment, was helped from the field moments later.

Gotham defender Ali Krieger came over to hug her former USA team-mate Rapinoe as she left the field. The 39-year-old, whose 103 caps include the World Cup wins of 2015 and 2019, was also playing her final game.

Krieger’s side took a 24th-minute lead through Lynn Williams, only for Rose Lavelle to level five minutes later for Reign, who featured Wales international Jess Fishlock.

Gotham then struck the woodwork twice in quick succession and in first-half stoppage time Spain international Esther Gonzalez headed home the winner.

Ali Krieger celebrates NJ/NY Gotham winning the NWSL final
Ali Krieger was a member of USA’s World Cup-winning squads of 2015 and 2019, along with Megan Rapinoe

While Krieger bowed out by celebrating her first NWSL title, it was not the fairytale farewell Rapinoe had hoped for.

“I mean, I don’t deserve this, I’ll tell you that much,” she said. “I am a better person than this.

“I thought about that a little in the last two hours. This one feels different from missing the penalty [in the World Cup] but that’s life, it’s part of the game.

“I know you don’t always get to have the perfect ending. I’ve had so many perfect endings.”

Celebrated for her off-field activism as well as her success on the field, Rapinoe has been an active advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality and helped the US women’s team secure equal pay.

Rapinoe said she intended to remain involved in women’s football, possibly in a role with the Reign, adding “you’ll definitely be seeing a lot of me off the field”.

Megan Rapinoe waves farewell after her final game
Rapinoe was wearing a protective boot as she waved farewell to fans and her team-mates

News

Obeena Delivers Show-Stopping Performance at Igbotic Game Night in East London

Published

on

East Ham, East London — 8 August 2026: The vibrant Igbo community in the UK came together for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, culture and social connection at Igbotic Game Night, one of the biggest social gatherings celebrating the Igbo community in the United Kingdom.

Among the night’s standout moments was an electrifying performance by Afrobeats artist Obeena, who took the stage and immediately captured the attention of the crowd.

Obeena delivered performances of two of his hit songs, “Wara Wara” and “Banging,” bringing his energetic sound and distinctive stage presence to the event. From the opening moments of his set, fans responded with excitement, singing along, dancing and enthusiastically supporting the artist.

His performance of “Wara Wara” created an instant connection with the audience, while “Banging” took the energy to another level. Obeena’s ability to engage the crowd transformed his set into one of the most memorable entertainment moments of the evening.

Held in East Ham, East London, on 8 August 2026, Igbotic Game Night provided a unique platform for members of the Igbo community to celebrate their heritage while enjoying music, games and social interaction. Events such as this continue to play an important role in bringing together Nigerians and the wider African diaspora in the UK.

For Obeena, the performance was another opportunity to showcase his growing artistry and connect directly with fans. His energetic delivery, stage confidence and ability to command the audience demonstrated why his live performances continue to attract attention.

By the end of his set, Obeena had left the crowd amazed and added another memorable chapter to his journey as an Afrobeats artist. His appearance at Igbotic Game Night was not simply a performance—it was a celebration of Nigerian music, culture and community.

 

With performances like this, Obeena continues to demonstrate his ambition to take his sound beyond the studio and onto major stages, connecting with audiences through music, energy and an unmistakable African identity.

Igbotic Game Night brought the Igbo community together. Obeena gave them a performance to remember.

Continue Reading

News

Afrocentric Music Festival Invites 1,000 Music Artists!

Published

on

Are you a rising African artist ready to take your career to the next level? Showcase your talent on a massive stage at the AFROCENTRIC Music Festival in Abuja, running from November 7–18, 2026! Presented by NICOCUSA’s AFROCENTRIC Cultural Expo, this premier platform is inviting 1,000 up-and-coming artists to perform live before tens of thousands of music lovers, industry insiders, and energetic fans. Don’t miss this life-changing opportunity to launch your music career on a global stage—slots are limited, so visit afrocentricculturalexpo.com to register today, and follow us on social media for live updates!

Continue Reading

Audio

KenryWhite Releases “Kilometers” & “The King” A Powerful Double Release Celebrating Faith, Purpose, and the Journey to Greatness

Published

on

Nigerian Afrofusion artist KenryWhite unveils his compelling two-track release, “Kilometers & The King,” a project that explores the realities of life’s journey while affirming identity, faith, and purpose.

Leading the release is “Kilometers,” an uplifting anthem that reflects on the distance between dreams and fulfillment. Through heartfelt lyrics, captivating melodies, and vibrant Afrobeats production, KenryWhite encourages listeners to embrace the process, remain resilient, and keep moving forward despite life’s challenges.

Complementing the project is “The King,” featuring Wonder J. The record is a bold declaration of confidence, royalty, and divine purpose, blending infectious Afrobeats rhythms with inspiring lyricism. Together, the duo delivers a record that celebrates self-belief, leadership, and the mindset required to overcome every obstacle.

With rich storytelling, memorable melodies, and contemporary African sounds, “Kilometers & The King” showcases KenryWhite’s artistic growth while delivering music that inspires, motivates, and connects with audiences across the globe.

Now available on all major streaming platforms, “Kilometers & The King” invites listeners to embrace the journey, recognize their worth, and walk confidently into their purpose.

 

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2013 - 2020, 47vibez Media.