U.S women's national team captain and political activist Megan Rapinoe found herself at the forefront of Loewe's Autumn/Winter 2020 campaign, adding to her growing number of accolades on and off the pitch.

This is a first for the 34-year-old who is known for becoming one of the stars of last year's FIFA Women's World Cup and for her outspoken political views - most recently calling out the International Olympic Committee for their restrictions on protesting. 

The front cover, captured by fashion photographer Steven Meisel, depicts Rapinoe in a playful light with her trademark pink hair taking centre stage and her tongue slightly sticking out to mimic her signature expression when she wins.

Rapinoe told CNN Style: "Any chance I get to do something outside of sport, particularly in fashion, I'm all over that.

"Particularly in the context of women's sports, where I feel very boxed in," she said.

It is a common occurrence for male athletes to land big campaigns, particularly for watches or underwear though, for female athletes, the opportunity does not come by as often.

"As we start to progress, and our sport becomes more popular and we start to become more successful, you have fashion designers wanting athletes who have become [culturally] significant," said Rapinoe.

"I think that fashion is a really good indication and case study for the progression of women's sports," she added.