David Beckham, Megan Rapinoe Lead Star-Studded National Soccer Hall of Fame Class

Former US soccer stars Megan Rapinoe, Julie Ertz and Jozy Altidore, along with football icon David Beckham, have been elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame, recognising their contributions to the sport in the United States.

The inductees were announced on Thursday, with the ceremony scheduled for April 16, 2027, at the Hall of Fame in Plano, Texas.

Rapinoe, a two-time Women's World Cup champion and Olympic gold medallist, was elected in her first year of eligibility. She also won the 2019 Ballon d'Or and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022. She retired from international football in 2023 with 63 goals and 73 assists in 203 appearances for the US national team.

Altidore scored 42 international goals in 115 appearances, making him the third-highest scorer in US men's team history. He also represented his country at two World Cups and scored the winning goal for Toronto FC in the 2017 MLS Cup final.

Ertz, regarded as one of the world's best defensive midfielders, played in three Women's World Cups and was named US Soccer's Player of the Year twice. She retired in 2023.

Beckham was elected on the veteran ballot for his influence on American soccer as both a player and an owner. After joining LA Galaxy in 2007, he won two MLS titles. He later exercised his option to purchase an expansion franchise, leading to the formation of Inter Miami, which joined the league in 2020.

Brazilian indoor soccer great Tatu, who scored 857 regular-season goals, and former US national team coach Lothar Osiander were also elected.