U.S. Soccer's Korbin Albert Apologizes for Her ‘Disrespectful’ Posts Mocking Megan Rapinoe and LGBTQ+ Community

Mar. 15, 2025

L: Korbin Albert, R: Megan Rapinoe.Photo:Franco Arland/Getty, Michael Reaves/Getty

Franco Arland/Getty, Michael Reaves/Getty

U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder Korbin Albert issued an apology on social media after she liked and shared posts mocking soccer starMegan Rapinoeand the LGBTQ+ community.

Fans on social medianoticedAlbert, 20, had liked and shared several videos on TikTok and Instagram that included anti-LGBTQ+ messaging, including onepostmaking fun of Rapinoe’s injury in the final game of her career.

Rapinoe, 38, took toInstagramto call out the behavior on Thursday.

“For people who want to hide behind ‘my beliefs’ I would just ask one question, are you making any type of space safer, more inclusive, more whole, any semblance of better, bringing the best out of anyone?” Rapinoe wrote in her Instagram story.

The message continued, “Because if you aren’t, all you believe in is hate. And kids are literally killing themselves because of this hate. Wake, TF up! Yours truly, #15.”

Megan Rapinoe of the USWNT.Maja Hitij/Getty

A few hours after Rapinoe posted her message, Albert, who wears Rapinoe’s same no. 15 on the USWNT, issued her apology via Instagramstory.

“I want to sincerely apologize for my actions on social media,” Albert began. “Liking and sharing posts that are offensive, insensitive and hurtful was immature and disrespectful which was never my intent.”

Albert said she is “really disappointed” in herself and “deeply sorry for the hurt that I have caused to my teammates, other players, fans, friends and anyone who was offended.”

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She continued, “I truly believe that everyone should feel safe and respected everywhere and on all playing fields. I know my actions have not lived up to that and for that I sincerely apologize. It’s an honor and a privilege to get to play this sport on the world stage and I promise to do better.”

Korbin Albert of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in action during the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final.Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu via Getty

Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu via Getty

Soccer stars Sam andKristi Mewis, Lynn Williams and Alana Cook, among others, supported Rapinoe’s call out on their own Instagram Stories.

Angel City FC player Merritt Mathias reposted Rapinoe’s message and wrote, “The real 15 stood up.”

USWNT captain Becky Sauerbrunn wrote, “Well said, @mrapinoe,” in support of the retired athlete.

Earlier this month, Albert helped the USWNT defeat Brazil in the W Gold Cup Final. She will compete for the team in the upcoming SheBelieves Cup on April 6 when the USWNT plays Japan.

source: people.com