Megan Rapinoe is a world-renowned American soccer star who captains both the National Women’s Soccer League and the United States Women's National team. She and her teams have won two World Cup titles as well as Olympic gold. Rapinoe, who identifies as gay and is an outspoken advocate for numerous LGBTQIA+ organizations, is recognized internationally as both a soccer champion and an activist. She has been named one of TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People, and it's easy to see why. Her athletic talent, advocacy, and unique style, punctuated by her signature pink or purple hair, make her hard to overlook.

In 2020, Rapinoe penned her New York Times best-selling memoir, One Life, and to say we loved it would be an understatement. The audiobook is full of sage wisdom and hard won life lessons that Rapinoe shares herself as she narrates her own story. Here are some of the most inspirational Megan Rapinoe quotes from her captivating memoir.

On Change, Activism & Justice

“Real change lies within all of us. It is in the choices we make every day. It's in how we talk, who we hire, and what we permit others to say in our presence. It's in reading more, thinking more, considering a different perspective. At its simplest, it's in whether we're willing to spend even five minutes a day thinking about how we can make the world better.”

“Given the breaks I’ve had, speaking out seems like the least I can f****ing do.”

“As a kid, I’d always pushed back against bullies and stood up for myself and my friends. Now, as an adult, I felt something dormant in me twitching to life: political anger.”

“The more you stand up for others, the easier it is to stand up for yourself.”

“I feel like it’s actually everybody’s responsibility to use whatever platform they have to do good in the world.”

“We’re not just soccer players; we’re role models who have the ability to change the conversation.”

“I would rather take the risk of standing up and losing than stay silent and wonder what could have been.”

On Leadership, Power & Teamwork

“When you know yourself and your strengths, there is always something you can do to raise the standard for everyone.”

“I’ve always understood that once you have a tiny bit of power, space, or control, you should do everything you can to share it.”

“What do you want to be the story of your life? Do you want someone else to tell it for you, or do you want to tell it yourself?”

“You can’t do anything on your own. We win together, we lose together.”

“I don’t have to be the loudest voice in the room to be a leader. I just have to show up.”

On LGBTQ+ Identity & Courage

“We’re so similar, my mom and I. We say what we think and then we move on. What I said to her that day is what I say to everyone who thinks it might be better not to be gay: you need to get over it.”

“Being true to yourself is the most powerful thing you can do.”

“If you’re a prominent athlete, coming out isn’t for yourself but for others. Until everyone can come out without it being a big deal, nobody gets to 'just' live their lives. And the more people who come out, the more we break down the stereotypes of what it is to be gay.”

“You can’t win a championship without gay players. That’s science right there.”

“I feel like if people can see me — flaws and all, strong and vulnerable — maybe they can see themselves too.”

On Equality & Gender Pay Gap

“I’m not going to budge. We deserve equal pay for equal work.”

“We’re not asking for special treatment. We’re asking to be respected for the value we bring.”

“When I know I’m being underestimated, my performance improves. What are you going to do? The only recourse is to double down and play so well no one can doubt you again.”