USWNT star midfielder Megan Rapinoe could celebrate her birthday in the most fabulous way, with the best present possible; by winning the prestigious World Cup trophy.
The Seattle Reign playmaker turns 30 today, on the very same day of her national side's FIFA Women’s World Cup showdown with Japan, a repeat of 2011’s ultimate game.
Jill Eliis’ side, ranked second in the world, have won the trophy twice in the competition’s history, but it has been 16 years since they last lifted the prize.
This also means, unfortunately, this could be the last opportunity to win the World Cup for Rapinoe, and idolized team-mate Abby Wambach, having both closed the chapter on their youth, with both having waved goodbye to their 20s.
Birthday wishes poured in for Rapinoe, an ever-present and influential member of the Unites States journey to the final, which will be played at the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, on Sunday.
How @mPinoe reacted when she found out the World Cup Final would be played on her birthday... Happy birthday, Pinoe! pic.twitter.com/N64MGwFM2l
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) July 5, 2015
Happy birthday to #USA's Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe)! You planned this, didn't you? #FIFAWWCFinal #USAJPN #USWNT pic.twitter.com/BaS0gZhMWh
— FIFA Women'sWorldCup (@FIFAWWC) July 5, 2015
I don't know about you but I think the best birthday gift for Megan Rapinoe would be a gold medal... pic.twitter.com/71IcRsexPj
— USWNT reactions (@USWNTreactions) July 5, 2015
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE CRAZY, FUNNY, MAGNIFICENTLY TALENTED, MEGAN RAPINOE. GO OUT AND GET THE PERFECT GIFT TODAY!!! pic.twitter.com/qMypyYb8PG
— the soccer life (@SoccerTeens) July 5, 2015
Happy birthday to my girl Rapinoe !! Let's bring home a win tonight#USAJPN pic.twitter.com/IOmwEZ6nPj
— Ry (@rylindbreann) July 5, 2015
Its Megan Rapinoe's bday soooo a win would be nice
— Kailee Shaefer (@kai_ms18) July 5, 2015
Happy birthday to Rapinoe.
— Sid (@sidTheSavage_) July 5, 2015
HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAPINOE GO GET A WORLD CUP FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY ILY @mPinoe
— Lia Fiffles (@LiaFiffles27) July 5, 2015
I'd also like to wish Megan Rapinoe a happy birthday! Keep doin' yo thang and don't let the haters get you down pic.twitter.com/6KE7N4spEa
— Nath & Jaimerz (@i_speak_futbol) July 5, 2015
Happy Birthday Megan Anna Rapinoe! #FIFAWWCFinal
— Anna Sweetland (@annasweetland) July 5, 2015
happy birthday rapinoe pic.twitter.com/5HrDga0hvD
— $hawty (@ftandreaa) July 5, 2015
With two goals and an assist under her belt so far, Rapinoe has proved both provider and scorer for the US, a feat which has seen her earn a Golden Ball nomination for the 2015 edition.
Lloyd, Rapinoe, Solo, and Co. pose for selfie ahead of final
Pre FIFA Women's World Cup final selfie!!
Posted by Carli Lloyd on Saturday, July 4, 2015
Fit and geared up for the final, Rapinoe will be hoping to add another international accolade to her 2010 gold medal from the London Olympics.
Happy birthday, Megan Rapinoe, and good luck in the final!
