Rapinoe Urges Messi And Ronaldo To Speak Out Against Racism, Homophobia And Intergender Wage Equality

Meghan Rapinoe (Twitter @mPinoe)

JAKARTA - Megan Rapinoe is known to be very vocal in voicing injustice. He was one of the bravest athletes to declare war on racism and social inequality.

Rapinoe's image is relevant to the events of recent years, especially after the wave of protests that emerged in the United States in the aftermath of george floyd's death.

Striker OL Reign believes that while there are some players involved in the fight against racism in football, this shouldn't be just about black footballers.

"It's not just black players who have to talk about racism, not just gay players who have to talk about homophobia, not just women who have to talk about pay inequality," Rapinoe told RMC Sport.

"We are all responsible, we must use our voices to stop discrimination, to stop the discrimination we face.

'It's really not up to the oppressed people to make sure they shut down the system they're going through, it's not how there's going to be real social change; everyone should work together, just like in the U.S."

Rapinoe also mentioned the good effort Marcus Rashford made in England to help the underprivileged. He then stressed that it should be emulated by players such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Rashford and others in England have done fantastic things and I hope other players in Europe can do the same," rapinoe added.

"Football is the most popular sport in Europe; all eyes are on the players, they are among the best athletes."

"When you look at the commitment of certain athletes, like Serena Williams or LeBron James here in the United States, it's important that the likes of Rashford, Messi, (Antoine) Griezmann or Ronaldo are also involved because people will listen to them, because they are global role models."