Megan Rapinoe, Julie Ertz and David Beckham elected to National Soccer Hall of Fame

Megan Rapinoe and Julie Ertz have been elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility, while former England captain David Beckham has also been chosen for induction.

The pair were central to the United States women’s national team’s Women’s World Cup triumphs in 2015 and 2019. Former US men’s national team striker Jozy Altidore, ex-indoor football player Tatu and former USMNT coach Lothar Osiander will also join the Class of 2027.

Rapinoe, 41, made 203 appearances for the USWNT between 2006 and 2023, scoring 63 goals. The former Seattle Reign winger was awarded both the Golden Boot, given to the tournament’s leading scorer, and the Golden Ball, awarded to its best player, at the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.

She also won the Ballon d’Or Feminin as the world’s leading player that year.

Speaking on social media on Thursday, Rapinoe said: “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, 34, was known for her combative performances as both a midfielder and defender. She scored 20 goals in 123 caps for the USWNT and spent most of her club career with the Chicago Red Stars.

Beckham, 51, was selected through the veteran ballot. The Englishman was already an internationally recognised star when he joined the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007, a move which helped raise the profile of Major League Soccer.

He won MLS Cup championships with the Galaxy in 2011 and 2012. His MLS contract also included an option to buy an expansion team at a reduced price. That opportunity eventually led to the creation of Inter Miami, whose profile grew further after Lionel Messi joined the club in 2023.

Altidore, 37, scored 42 goals in 115 appearances for the USMNT, the third-highest total in the team’s history. His club career included European sides Villarreal and Sunderland, as well as MLS teams the New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC.

Osiander, an 87-year-old Germany native, managed the USMNT from 1986 to 1988. He later coached the Galaxy and the San Jose Earthquakes and was inducted as a builder.

Tatu, 64, scored more than 800 goals in indoor soccer, mainly during his time with the Dallas Sidekicks. He was also elected through the veteran vote.

The induction ceremony will take place on 16 April in Frisco, Texas.