The first shock came early in the show, when comedian Shane Gillis took to the stage for his opening monologue. Known for his brash humor and willingness to tackle controversial subjects, Gillis didn’t disappoint. But what followed was unexpected, and not in the way he had hoped.

With a grin, Gillis launched into a quip that left the audience a bit cold, though it sparked an immediate uproar online. “I’m glad Megan Rapinoe isn’t here tonight,” Gillis joked, pausing as if waiting for the room to laugh. “She’d probably try to take the award for Best Soccer Player, and we wouldn’t want that.”

The reaction from the crowd was immediate but mixed—an awkward silence hung in the air, leaving Gillis to awkwardly clear his throat and move on. His words, meant to be a sharp-edged jab at the retired soccer star, didn’t land in the way he expected. Rapinoe’s supporters were silent, but on social media, those who were less fond of the icon’s outspoken political activism and bold personality erupted in glee.

Megan Rapinoe, one of the most divisive figures in modern sports, had always been a lightning rod for opinions. To some, she was a hero—an advocate for equal pay, LGBTQ+ rights, and a relentless competitor. To others, she was a symbol of everything wrong with modern activism in sports, with her political stances often at odds with the more traditional, conservative view of her critics.

Despite Gillis’ failed attempt at humor, it was a moment that cast a shadow over the evening’s otherwise celebratory tone. Rapinoe, who had made her mark as a pioneer for women’s soccer and had now retired, had never been one to shy away from controversy. Still, as her name buzzed across the airwaves after Gillis’ comment, it wasn’t her presence that mattered—it was the polarizing impact she left behind.

The night, however, was not just about moments of tension or uncomfortable jokes. As the evening moved forward, the ESPYS took a more uplifting turn with the spotlight shifting to other figures in the world of women’s sports, individuals who, unlike Rapinoe, had not been embroiled in controversy that evening.

Alex Morgan, the recently retired U.S. and San Diego Wave FC forward, took the stage to accept the prestigious ESPY Icon Award. Her recognition was met with applause, not just from the audience in the arena, but from millions of fans who admired her for her dedication to the game, her leadership on the field, and her role in elevating women’s soccer to new heights. Morgan’s speech was heartfelt, a moment of reflection on the trailblazing women who had come before her, those who had paved the way for athletes like herself to stand proudly in the spotlight.

“We’re standing on the shoulders of giants,” Morgan said, her voice steady but filled with emotion. “This is a huge tribute to them as much as us. So, to the women before us, it’s because of you that we never have to apologize for speaking up or for fighting to raise the bar.”

It was a sentiment that resonated with everyone in the room. The idea that the accomplishments of the past were the foundation for those achieving greatness in the present was a powerful one. Morgan’s acknowledgment of the pioneers of women’s sports—the Billie Jean Kings, the Martina Navratilovas, the Mia Hams—was a call for all athletes to remember that every victory, every breakthrough, came because of someone else’s sacrifice.

Her words set the tone for what would become one of the most powerful moments of the night: the recognition of the women who had not just played the game but changed it. It was a tribute to athletes who had made a difference, and Morgan’s reflection on this legacy brought the room to a standing ovation.

But the celebration wasn’t over, and there was another moment that would send shockwaves through the night’s proceedings. Christian Pulisic, one of the brightest stars in American soccer, was awarded the Best Soccer Player ESPY, beating out some of the biggest names in the sport, including Lamine Yamal, Aitana Bonmatí, and Alexia Putellas. The victory wasn’t just about the award—it was a symbol of Pulisic’s rising influence in the world of international soccer.

The soccer world, particularly in the U.S., had been eagerly awaiting Pulisic’s rise, and this honor cemented his place among the sport’s elite. It was a testament to his dedication, his ability to shine on the international stage, and his role in the growing prominence of American soccer.

Yet, as the applause for Pulisic’s victory rang out, the earlier controversy of the night seemed to fade into the background, overshadowed by the more meaningful moments. For the most part, the audience had focused on the true celebration of achievement—the recognition of athletes who had not only excelled but who had left an indelible mark on their sports.

In the aftermath of the show, the internet was alive with mixed reactions. Many were still discussing the tension between the humor and the humiliation brought by Gillis’ words, but others shifted focus to the powerful speeches and triumphs of the night. The juxtaposition of moments—praise for Morgan’s inspiring message, Pulisic’s historic victory, and the echoes of controversy surrounding Rapinoe’s absence—made for a night that was as complex as it was memorable.

As social media buzzed and the world continued to discuss the 2025 ESPYS, one thing became clear: The world of sports, particularly women’s sports, was evolving, and the conversations—whether through the recognition of talent, the critique of media, or the personal battles that so many athletes face—were only just beginning.

And while The Late Show’s cancellation and the fallout from Colbert’s departure might have taken center stage in the media, it was the legacy of athletes like Alex Morgan and the outspoken influence of figures like Megan Rapinoe that would continue to spark debate, inspire change, and shape the future of sports.