USWNT’s Korbin Albert apologizes for social media activity that irked Megan Rapinoe

“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.”

According to reports, Albert reposted a Christian sermon on TikTok that said being gay and “feeling transgender” were wrong. She also purportedly liked an Instagram post that mocked Rapinoe’s reaction after she suffered a torn Achilles’ less than three minutes into the OL Reign’s NWSL championship game match against Gotham FC in November.

In recent USWNT matches, Albert, 20, wore the same No. 15 that Rapinoe sported during her decorated career with the national team. Rapinoe called out people with anti-LGBTQ+ beliefs in her own Instagram story, which was posted before Albert’s apology.

“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?

“Because if you aren’t, all you believe in is hate. And Kids are literally killing themselves because of this hate. Wake TF up!”

She signed the note with an underlined “#15”.

Rapinoe played her final match with the U.S. national team in September after an international career that spanned 17 years and featured two World Cup victories. Albert made her USWNT debut during a friendly against China in December and earned her first start in February for a W Gold Cup match against the Dominican Republic.