Megan Rapinoe’s Unforgettable World Cup Celebration: Defiance, F-bombs, and a Legacy of Impact

It wouldn’t be a parade in New York City without an F-bomb, right? Amidst her World Cup celebration in the Big Apple, Megan Rapinoe let the curse word fly on live TV, perfectly encapsulating the fiery spirit and unapologetic confidence that defined the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) during their historic 2019 FIFA World Cup victory. This moment, more than just a slip of the tongue, became an emblem of a team that wasn’t afraid to speak its mind, celebrate its triumphs, and challenge societal norms, both on and off the pitch.

Is Megan Rapinoe an official New Yorker, now? The 34-year-old California native spoke with an authentic New York swagger, as if she were born and raised in Brooklyn, during the monumental July 10 celebration in New York City. Megan and the rest of the formidable United States Women’s National Team were in town to bask in the glory of their hard-earned FIFA World Cup victory, a triumph that captivated millions and ignited fierce debates. The celebratory parade, a vibrant river of red, white, and blue, made its iconic way up the “Canyon of Heroes” to the steps of City Hall, where thousands of adoring fans had gathered, their cheers echoing through the urban canyons. Once the team arrived, the mic was passed to Megan Rapinoe, a player who had become synonymous with both athletic brilliance and outspoken advocacy.

Rapinoe, never one to shy away from making a statement, delivered a truly rousing speech that resonated far beyond the confines of City Hall. She passionately encouraged everyone to “love each other more and hate each other less,” a poignant message of unity and compassion in a divided world. But just when the crowd thought she had finished, she delivered a final, iconic punchline, a raw and unfiltered expression of her connection to the city. Turning to the ecstatic crowd, she declared, with every ounce of her vibrant personality, “New York City, you’re the mother*cking best!” The unscripted outburst, delivered with a mischievous grin, was met with thunderous applause and became an instant viral sensation. This audacious display of authenticity solidified her status as not just a soccer star, but a cultural icon. The vulgarity, far from offending, won over the hearts of countless fans watching both live and on television, with many jokingly — and some seriously — hoping that she would one day run for president, captivated by her genuine and fearless spirit.

The United States’ team went truly “viral” for their celebrations throughout the entire 2019 World Cup campaign, often becoming a topic of heated discussion, mainly because their unapologetic success and exuberant displays seemed to rub some people the wrong way. The controversy first sparked during the USWNT’s dominant 13-0 rout of Thailand in their group play opening match. Following the historic scoreline, the USA was criticized for what some perceived as “celebrating too much,” a double standard often levied against successful female athletes. As Today reported, even former U.S. men’s national team member, Taylor Twellman, weighed in, tweeting, “0.0 problem with the score line as this is THE tournament BUT celebrating goals (like #9) leaves a sour taste in my mouth like many of you. Curious to see if anyone apologizes for this postgame.” Curiously absent from Taylor’s tweet, and from many similar criticisms, was the acknowledgment that the USMNT has famously failed to bring home a World Cup title and even embarrassingly failed to qualify for the 2018 tournament, while the women’s team had just secured their fourth global championship. This stark contrast highlighted a pervasive double standard, where men’s celebrations are often seen as passion, while women’s are deemed “excessive” or “unsportsmanlike.”

However, the criticism, rather than dampening the Americans’ spirits, seemed to fuel their resolve and intensify their celebrations. The team, led by its outspoken captains, viewed their joy as an intrinsic part of their game and a rejection of the pressure to conform. During the quarter-final clash against host nation France, a highly anticipated and fiercely contested match, Megan Rapinoe debuted a new, instantly iconic celebratory pose after scoring on a free-kick. The US superstar, with her signature purple hair, ran to the sidelines, stopping dramatically before outstretching her arms in a pose that exuded confidence and majesty, allowing her to bathe in the admiration from her legion of supporters (and, undoubtedly, in the saltiness from her detractors.) This pose, often referred to as “epic Rapinoe,” became a powerful symbol of the team’s self-assured dominance and refusal to dim their light for anyone.

Alex Morgan, another pivotal player in the USWNT’s arsenal, took the celebration game one step further in the semi-finals against England. After scoring a crucial goal that ultimately sent the team to the final, Alex mimed as if she were taking a long, deliberate sip of tea – pinky outstretched – as a playful, yet potent, way to troll all the fans, particularly the English, who had been vocal in their opposition and criticisms. The “tea sip” quickly became another viral moment, lauded by fans for its wit and condemned by critics for its supposed lack of sportsmanship. When asked about criticism that Alex Morgan’s tea-sipping was distasteful, Megan Rapinoe, ever the team’s staunch defender, shrugged off the complaints with characteristic defiance. “Wah, wah, wah. It’s like, we’re at the World Cup. What do you want us to do?” she retorted, according to sports reporter Rachel Bachman. “We work hard, we like to play hard.” This statement perfectly encapsulated the team’s philosophy: their celebrations were not meant to be apologetic, but rather an authentic expression of their dedication, skill, and joy in reaching the pinnacle of their sport.

Patriots dropping F bombs on live Fox tv is a mood.

Megan Rapinoe for motherf*%king president! 🦄😉 #USWNTParade #CanyonOfHeroes #Resist pic.twitter.com/R7VOBFxPvX

— Isabella David (@IsabellaMDavid) July 10, 2019

This is one of my favorite sports pictures of this decade. Thanks for being such an inspiration to my daughter @mPinoe – you were unbelievable today. pic.twitter.com/iMI9TGb1PT

— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) June 29, 2019

Speaking of “playing hard” after “working hard” and celebrating authentically, the USWNT has a history of powerful, culturally significant moments that transcend the sport itself. The lasting image of the 2015 World Cup victory, for instance, was not solely of a spectacular goal or a crucial save, but of a profound kiss. After the Americans decisively defeated Japan in the final match, securing their third World Cup title, legendary striker Abby Wambach rushed into the stands, her gaze fixed on finding her wife, Sarah Huffman. In front of the 50,000-plus fans in attendance at the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, Canada, and countless more watching around the globe, Abby planted a passionate, heartfelt kiss on the lips of her love. This powerful image of public affection and unequivocal love, especially for an LGBTQ+ athlete on such a global stage, would become a capstone on her already incredible legacy. It was a moment that spoke volumes about acceptance, visibility, and personal triumph, making a statement that was both deeply personal and universally resonant. Abby would announce her retirement just two months later, solidifying this beautiful moment as one of her career’s most memorable and impactful. These moments, from Rapinoe’s F-bomb to Morgan’s tea sip and Wambach’s kiss, underscore the USWNT’s identity not just as athletic champions, but as trailblazers who boldly live their truths and inspire millions.

The 2019 World Cup run, particularly the celebrations and the outspoken stance of players like Megan Rapinoe, further cemented the USWNT’s reputation as a team that demands respect and fights for what’s right. Their journey wasn’t just about winning games; it was about challenging the status quo, advocating for equal pay, and empowering women and girls everywhere. The team’s collective defiance against critics who policed their joy became a symbol of a broader fight for equity and recognition in sports. They proved that success doesn’t require humility or silence, but rather, can be amplified by confidence and an unapologetic embrace of one’s achievements. Megan Rapinoe, with her iconic F-bomb in New York City, became the quintessential embodiment of this spirit: fierce, talented, outspoken, and utterly unforgettable.

The legacy of the USWNT is built on a foundation of unparalleled athletic achievement combined with profound cultural impact. They continually push boundaries, both on the field with their dazzling play and off it with their unwavering advocacy. Their celebrations, from the subtle to the scandalous, are not merely expressions of momentary joy but deliberate statements against systemic inequalities and expectations. They represent a new era of sportsmanship, one where authenticity and advocacy are celebrated alongside goals and victories. The “Canyon of Heroes” parade in 2019, culminating in Rapinoe’s candid and spirited declaration, stands as a testament to a team that won not just a World Cup, but the hearts and minds of a generation, proving that sometimes, being a little “motherf*cking best” is exactly what the world needs.