Megan Rapinoe and Julie Ertz, both two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champions, have been chosen for induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in their inaugural year of eligibility. Additionally, David Beckham has also been selected for this honor on Thursday.
Joining them in the Class of 2027 are former United States men’s national team striker Jozy Altidore, indoor soccer player Tatu, and former USMNT coach Lothar Osiander.
Rapinoe, 41, and Ertz, 34, were pivotal figures in the US women’s national team’s victories in the World Cups held in 2015 and 2019.
As a dynamic winger, Rapinoe recorded 63 goals in 203 matches for the USWNT from 2006 to 2023. She earned both the Golden Boot for being the top scorer and the Golden Ball for being the top player during the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France, and she was awarded the Ballon d’Or Féminin as the leading player globally that year.
About her induction, Rapinoe shared on social media: “To be alongside all the greatest players that have played for us, and played for our country alongside a bunch of my teammates and friends, recognised like that in this way just means you were successful and a part of great teams. So, I definitely was a part of some great teams, and yeah, it’s very special.”
Ertz, known for her tenacity as a midfielder and defender, scored 20 goals in 123 matches for the USWNT, spending the majority of her club career with the Chicago Red Stars.
Beckham, now 51, was elected to the Hall of Fame through the veteran ballot.
Beckham was a global sensation upon joining the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007, significantly increasing the visibility of Major League Soccer. He played a vital role in helping the Galaxy win MLS Cup titles in 2011 and 2012.
In his MLS contract, he received the opportunity to buy an expansion team at a favorable price, which ultimately led to the establishment of Inter Miami. The franchise further raised the league’s profile by signing Lionel Messi in 2023.
Altidore, at 37, ranks third on the USMNT’s all-time scoring list, netting 42 goals in 115 appearances. His career included time with European teams such as Villarreal and Sunderland as well as MLS clubs like the New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC.
Osiander, who is 87 and hails from Germany, coached the USMNT from 1986 to 1988 before later coaching the Galaxy and the San Jose Earthquakes. He was honored in the Hall of Fame as a builder.
Tatu, a 64-year-old from Brazil, scored over 800 goals in indoor soccer, primarily for the Dallas Sidekicks. Like Beckham, he was inducted through the veteran vote.
The induction ceremony is set to take place on April 16 in Frisco, Texas.
