Soccer icon Megan Rapinoe and basketball legend Sue Bird have announced the end of their nearly ten-year relationship in a joint statement shared on social media.
“After a lot of thought, we've made the decision to separate as a couple,” the athletes wrote on Instagram. “This hasn't been an easy decision, but it's one we've made together, with so much love, respect, and care for each other.”
The pair, who met while preparing for the 2016 Rio Olympics, reflected on their shared journey, stating, “We've shared a whole life over the last decade, through big moments and in quiet ones, and that is something we'll always carry with us.”
During their relationship, both athletes achieved remarkable success in their respective sports. Rapinoe, 40, secured an Olympic bronze medal and a FIFA Women's World Cup title, while Bird, 45, earned three Olympic gold medals and two WNBA championships.
In their statement, the former couple expressed gratitude for the support they received from their community, teammates, and fans. “We are so grateful to this incredible community that has held us up, welcomed us in, and supported us exactly as we are,” they wrote. “So many of you have reminded us, again and again, why loving out loud matters.”
Bird publicly came out in 2017 while announcing her relationship with Rapinoe, who had previously come out in 2012. “I'm gay. Megan's my girlfriend,” Bird told ESPN at the time. “These aren't secrets to people who know me.”
In a 2022 interview, Rapinoe shared what she hoped people saw in their partnership: “Hopefully they just see two people who are in love, but are also living their lives authentically.”
Bird added her perspective on Rapinoe's character: “What impresses me most about Megan is her willingness to put others first. She really is someone who is clearly willing to use her platform and her privilege to shed light on all these other issues.”
The couple got engaged in 2020 and launched their production company, A Touch More, following their respective retirements from professional sports in 2022.