Megan Rapinoe, one of the most outspoken figures in the history of women’s soccer, is under fresh scrutiny for what critics describe as her silence over the dramatic situation involving the Iranian women’s national soccer team.
Rapinoe, considered one of the most high-profile voices in women’s sports, had remained largely silent on the issue until this week, drawing both praise and criticism from far-flung corners of the sports and political world.
British media commentator and former TV presenter Piers Morgan recently lambasted Rapinoe on X, labeling her response, or perceived lack thereof, “pretentious, accusatory and hypocritical.” His comments reignited debate about the role of elite athletes in international political affairs, especially when athletes have built their public brands around advocacy.
The controversy centers on events during the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which was held in Australia. There, several players from Iran’s national women’s soccer team sought safety in the host country, fearing for their safety if they returned home.
The asylum request came after a tense game in which members of the team refused to sing the Iranian national anthem, sparking state media coverage and nationwide security concerns.
Rapinoe breaks the silence
Rapinoe, a former star of the U.S. women’s national team and one of the most outspoken athletes in recent memory on issues ranging from gender equality to LGBTQ rights, used a recent episode of her and fiancé Sue Bird’s podcast “A Touch More” to acknowledge the situation facing Iranian athletes.
The episode aired on March 19, more than two weeks after the Iranian team caused an uproar at home by refusing to sing the national anthem before a Women’s Asian Cup match in Australia.
The players were branded “wartime traitors” by some in Iranian state media, an accusation that has serious implications given the country’s difficult political climate.
Rapinoe spoke about the pressures players are facing after some players were seen refusing to sing the Iranian national anthem at the Women’s Asian Cup and subsequently requested asylum in Australia. Her remarks focused on the courage she believes the players have shown and their hope for their safety and future.
“It takes an incredible amount of courage and bravery to know what that potentially means for families back home. The courage and courage to protest the national anthem. It’s basically a protest against the Iranian regime, not to sing the national anthem during games,” she said.
“Of course, I fully support their decision to seek asylum, seek a better life, and flee a regime that is incredibly repressive under the circumstances.
“We hope those who choose to stay find peace and hope for the possibility of a new life in Australia and elsewhere.”
Rapinoe herself has been no stranger to controversy throughout her career. An advocate for equal pay and LGBTQ rights, she helped raise the profile of gender equality in sports as part of the U.S. Women’s National Team’s equal pay push.
