‘We have to love more. Hate less’: Megan Rapinoe delivered a powerful speech at the USWNT parade

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

The United States Women’s Soccer Team celebrated their 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup victory with a ticker-tape parade in New York City.
Star forward Megan Rapinoe has been no stranger to the spotlight throughout the tournament. On Wednesday, she closed out the team’s celebration at New York City’s City Hall with a powerful speech.
Rapinoe tasked all those listening with two things: to unite and dispel intolerance.
Follow all of our Women’s World Cup coverage here.
Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.

Fans waited all morning to hear from United States Women’s National Team star Megan Rapinoe. When she finally took the mic to close out the victory celebration, she had a powerful message to share.

Rapinoe was the last to speak during Wednesday’s ticker-tape parade in New York City and tasked all those listening with two things: to unite and dispel intolerance.

The Golden Boot and Golden Ball winner scored six goals for the USWNT, including the game-winning goal off a penalty kick in a 2-0 victory in the final against the Netherlands.

Rapinoe praised her teammates, joked about those calling for her to run for president, and addressed her hope of improvement for the US Soccer Federation going forward. She even showed support for US Soccer President Carlos Cordeiro, who was also in attendance.

She also spoke to the diversity of identity that makes up the US Women’s team.

"This group is so resilient, is so tough, has such a sense of humor," Rapinoe said. "It’s just so badass. There’s nothing that can faze this group.

"We have pink hair and purple hair. We have tattoos and dreadlocks. We have white girls and black girls, and everything in between. Straight girls and gay girls."

The co-captain is known for using her platform to speak out against social injustice and in support of women and LGBTQ rights. She’s been met with both applause and criticism for doing so.

It was after her message of gratitude that Rapinoe delivered an off the cuff message that resonated with those listening.

"This is my charge to everyone: We have to be better. We have to love more, hate less. We’ve got to listen more and talk less. We’ve got to know that this is everybody’s responsibility, every single person here. Every single person who’s not here; Every single person who doesn’t want to be here. Every single person who agrees and doesn’t agree," Rapinoe said. "It’s our responsibility to make this world a better place."

The US team has taken the responsibility of doing that in their own way. They filed a lawsuit against US Soccer in their fight for equal pay, they consistently spoke against those who criticized them for being unapologetic throughout the tournament, and they relished in the pressure to prove how good they are.

"Yes, we play sports. Yes, we play soccer. Yes, we’re female athletes, but we’re so much more than that. You’re so much more than that," Rapinoe told the crowd.

"There’s been so much contention in these last years … But it’s time to come together. This conversation is at the next step. We have to collaborate. It takes everybody. This is my charge to everybody: Do what you can. Do what you have to do. Step outside yourself. Be more. Be better. Be bigger than you’ve ever been before."

In true Rapinoe style, she ended her speech by firing up the crowd one last time.

"New York City, you’re the motherf—— best!"

NOW WATCH: The US women’s team won the World Cup. Here’s why American women are so good at soccer.