The legendary careers of USWNT stars Megan Rapinoe and Julie Ertz have landed them in the National Soccer Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility.
Rapinoe and Ertz headline the 2027 class that also includes former England, Manchester United and LA Galaxy star David Beckham, USMNT striker Jozy Altidore, Brazilian indoor soccer great Tatu, and USMNT and LA Galaxy coach Lothar Osiander. They will officially be inducted during a ceremony on April 16, 2027, at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
Ertz, Rapinoe and Altidore each received 46 of 48 possible votes in their first year on the players ballot, while Beckham and Tatu were selected on the veterans ballot and Osiander on the builders ballot.
Introducing the Class of 2027. ➡️ https://t.co/Q3IWdHgVr7
pic.twitter.com/0nU36Padqm
— National Soccer HOF (@soccerhof) November 13, 2026
Each Hall of Fame inductee learned of the honor from their friends and family. Ertz's husband, NFL tight end Zach Ertz, surprised her with the news at the Philadelphia Eagles training facility as their children looked on. Rapinoe's twin sister, Rachael, and supporters in pink wigs shared the news when Rapinoe landed at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
"Like right now?" a shocked Rapinoe said, as she was draped in a National Soccer Hall of Fame scarf.
"To be alongside all of the greatest players that have played for us and played for our country, alongside a bunch of my teammates and friends. Recognized like that in this way just means you were successful and part of great teams," Rapinoe said. "I definitely was part of some great teams and it's very special."
That's an understatement. Rapinoe and Ertz were members of the USWNT squads that won the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2015 and 2019.
"They've both been instrumental in helping to create the program that we currently have and winning ways," interim coach Twila Kilgore said in 2023 ahead of Rapinoe and Ertz's final match with the USWNT. "They've helped drive the game forward. But also, off the field, they've both contributed to making sure the whole soccer landscape is progressing forward, especially women."
Rapinoe, who played as a midfielder and winger, made 203 appearances for the national team, racking up 63 goals and 73 assists between 2006 and 2023. She competed in four World Cups and three Olympic Games, bringing home an Olympic gold (2012) and bronze medal (2021), in addition to two World Cup wins.
She won the Golden Ball and Golden Boot at the 2019 World Cup, awarded to the tournament's best player and top goal scorer, respectively. Rapinoe was also named the FIFA Women's Player of the Year and became the only American player to win the Ballon d'Or Féminin award that same year.
Rapinoe's impact stretched far past the soccer field. She was integral in the USWNT’s fight for equal pay and working conditions and championed equality for all. Rapinoe received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Joe Biden in 2022.
Ertz, who played as both a defender and midfielder, made 123 caps for the USWNT between 2013 and 2023. She scored 20 goals in the red, white and blue. Ertz competed in three World Cups and two Olympic Games, earning an Olympic bronze medal in 2021.
She was named the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year in 2017 and 2019.
"I'm emotional. I am honored," Ertz said. "Such a sweet treat and having my family here makes it even better."
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Megan Rapinoe, Julie Ertz headline National Soccer Hall of Fame class of 2027
