USWNT icon Megan Rapinoe has never shied away from speaking her mind, but now she says that outspokenness is costing her endorsement deals. In a new article for MarieClaire.com, Rapinoe revealed that she has been flagged as a brand risk by companies wary of her advocacy for transgender rights.
Rapinoe wrote that one brand actually dropped her while she was on her way to a photo shoot, after an AI tool flagged her as a potential liability. The reason? Her vocal support for trans athletes and inclusion in sports.
“Anti-inclusion politicians have made the conversation around trans athletes in sports so muddied and full of false fearmongering that brands lacking moral clarity are running from mere association,” Rapinoe wrote.
The retired soccer star didn't name the brand, but she made it clear that the decision stemmed from political pressure rather than any genuine controversy. She called out what she sees as a cowardly retreat by corporations afraid of backlash from anti-LGBTQ+ activists.
Rapinoe’s revelation comes as no surprise to those who have followed her career. The two-time World Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist has long been one of the most visible athletes in the fight for equality, both on and off the pitch. From kneeling during the national anthem to leading the charge for equal pay, she has never backed down from a cause.
Her on-field resume speaks for itself: 203 caps, 63 goals, 73 assists, and a Golden Ball and Golden Boot at the 2019 World Cup. She retired after the 2023 NWSL season as one of the most decorated players in U.S. soccer history.
But Rapinoe’s legacy extends far beyond stats. She has been a relentless advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and gender equity. Her willingness to use her platform has inspired millions—but it has also made her a target.
“It’s disappointing but not surprising that brands would bow to fearmongering instead of standing up for what’s right,” she wrote. “We need more moral clarity, not less.”
The news has sparked debate across the sports world, with many pointing out the irony that a player celebrated for her courage is now being penalized for it. Others see it as a sign of the growing backlash against corporate woke-washing.
Rapinoe’s experience echoes broader tensions in sports, where athletes are increasingly expected to be both entertainers and activists—but face consequences when their activism doesn’t align with brand interests. For now, she’s not backing down. “I’ll keep speaking out,” she said, “even if it costs me.”
