What is Megan Rapinoe’s net worth? How much money did she make throughout her career?

USWNT legend Megan Rapinoe has not only had an eventful career in professional soccer but has also become known for her vocal stance on a number of social issues, most notably LGBTQ+ rights and equal pay for women. Almost two decades after making her on-field debut, the 38-year-old will hang up her boots for good after the Stars and Stripes’ friendly against South Africa on Sunday, having become one of the highest-earning female soccer players around the globe, mainly thanks to her multimillion-dollar off-field sponsorship contracts.

How much has Rapinoe made from her playing career?

According to Forbes magazine, the American icon’s net worth amounts to just over $7 million, putting her in a similar bracket to USWNT teammate Alex Morgan, two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and Brazilian legend Marta. But the majority of Rapinoe’s fortune has come from her endeavours off the field rather than on it. Forbes claim she has made less than $1 million from her playing contracts at different clubs over the years, with almost 90% of her earnings coming from deals with sponsors.

A marketing powerhouse

As mentioned, the California native has become a champion and outspoken advocate for various social issues. Her high-profile feud with former US President Donald Trump led to her becoming one of the world’s most recognisable faces, while she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in July 2022 from Trump’s successor, Joe Bidon, in honour of her work promoting LGBTQ+ rights and equal pay for women. Put simply, Rapinoe is a marketing powerhouse and all the biggest brands are well aware of it.

Rapinoe used by Nike as the face of women’s soccer

A report from SponsorUnited revealed that Rapinoe has had the most branded social media posts of any female soccer player in the world this year. Nike has pushed the OL Reign winger as the face of women’s soccer and she has featured in advertising campaigns alongside former Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, the sportswear giant’s figurehead, as a result.

Away from sport, Rapinoe has even dipped into the worlds of fashion and healthcare, while the likes of Samsung and Subway have teamed up with the USWNT star to promote their brands.