Megan Rapinoe jersey retirement marks new era in Seattle Reign history

Young fans react as they receive autographs after the game between Seattle Reign FC and North Carolina Courage at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash. on Aug. 26, 2024. (Photo credit: Kevin Ng-USA TODAY Sports)

SEATTLE — Sunday night at Lumen Field was supposed to be all about Megan Rapinoe. The moment she became the first player in club history to have their jersey retired was monumental, but, as with so many things connected to Rapinoe, it ended up being about so much more. Fans watched the baton of Seattle Reign soccer pass to the next generation while honoring one of the club’s foundational players, only for Rapinoe to make it all about those supporters.

It can be easy to forget or minimize someone’s impact after times have changed, but the people will never forget how much Rapinoe accomplished. Sunday served as yet another reminder of how far her impact goes.

An impressive 16,598 fans showed up to honor the global legend. Throngs of people created a sea of pink and purple, never ceasing their applause as Rapinoe made her way to the stage through an appropriately colored guard of honor. As fans showed Rapinoe how much she means to them, the star gave plenty of love back.