Former US soccer star Megan Rapinoe has publicly commended the "bravery and courage" of the Iranian women's national soccer team, who staged a silent protest against their country's regime earlier this month. The protest occurred during the 2026 Women's Asian Cup in Australia, where every member of Iran's starting lineup refused to sing their national anthem before a match against South Korea.
Silent Protest Sparks Outrage and Asylum Requests
The demonstration quickly ignited fury back in Iran, with state television labeling the players "wartime traitors" in the context of recent joint US-Israeli strikes. Broadcaster Mohammad Reza Shahbazi issued a stern warning, stating that anyone acting against the country under war conditions must face severe consequences.
Following Iran's elimination from the tournament, five players were granted asylum by host nation Australia, amid the uproar over their protest and ongoing conflicts within Iran. This decision highlights the intense risks these athletes faced for their symbolic act of defiance.
Rapinoe Breaks Silence on Podcast
Rapinoe, a two-time World Cup winner and outspoken global advocate for women, had faced scrutiny in recent weeks for not addressing the controversy. British TV host Piers Morgan led the criticism, branding her "hypocritical" for her silence.
However, on the latest episode of her "A Touch More" podcast with former WNBA player and fiancée Sue Bird, Rapinoe finally shared her perspective. "I’m just thinking about this in the context of, like, the immense pressure that these young adults and these young women are under to make a decision like this," said the 40-year-old.
"Like, the incredible courage and bravery it would take knowing what that could potentially mean for their family back home. The bravery and courage to protest the national anthem, basically in protest of the Iranian regime and not singing the national anthem during a match."
Support for Players' Decisions
Rapinoe expressed deep concern for the stress and uncertainty faced by the players and their families. She voiced full support for those who sought asylum in Australia, as well as for teammates who returned to Iran.
"I, of course, fully support their decisions to seek asylum and seek a better life and to try to escape an incredibly oppressive regime in that situation," she continued. "I hope the ones that returned home have done so under their own free will and choice and that their families are safe, that they’re safe, and their friends are safe. I hope the ones that have chosen to stay feel a sense of peace and hope about a potential for a new life in Australia or otherwise."
The soccer great added that she is in "awe of their courage" following their national anthem snub, though she did not comment on the criticism she received for her initial silence.
Morgan's Criticism and Broader Context
Piers Morgan had taken aim at Rapinoe on social media earlier this month, accusing her and other supposed feminists of hypocrisy. "The silence over this from Rapinoe, and so many supposed 'feminists' like her, is so telling, damning, and hypocritical," he wrote.
The 60-year-old broadcaster also referenced Rapinoe's support for trans athletes in women's sports, adding, "They'd rather campaign for biological men to wreck women's sport than campaign for these heroic young sportswomen to help save their lives."
This incident underscores the complex interplay between sports, politics, and activism, with Rapinoe's belated praise highlighting the ongoing struggles for women's rights in restrictive regimes.
