Emma Hayes, the 47-year-old football manager, recently led the United States women’s football team to victory in the Olympic Games, describing it as the greatest moment of her career. This win marked the team’s first Olympic gold in women’s football since 2012. Hayes, who had previously managed Chelsea for 12 years and won numerous trophies with the club, expressed her deep attachment to her former team but acknowledged that winning the Olympic gold was a significant achievement.
The United States team, which had previously won the World Cup in 2015 and 2019, experienced a decline in performance in recent years. In the 2020 World Cup, they faced an unexpected early exit in the last 16 at the hands of Sweden, causing them to drop to fifth place in the FIFA rankings. When Hayes left Chelsea to take up the position as the manager of the United States women’s national team, she believed that the squad had the potential to win gold at the Olympics.
Hayes stated, “I just woke that beast up again,” emphasizing her familiarity with competing in finals and her belief in the team’s mentality. She expressed her love for the United States and her conviction that she was made for the challenges the country presented in women’s football.
At the moment of victory, Hayes was visibly overwhelmed with emotion. She embraced her staff on the touchline and celebrated with her players. Throughout the tournament, Hayes had been reminiscing about watching the 2012 Olympic women’s football final with her late father, Sid. He had told her that one day she would lead the United States to Olympic glory. Reflecting on a difficult year that included her father’s passing, Hayes expressed gratitude for the team’s support and acceptance, allowing her to guide them to victory.
During the celebratory moments, Hayes was spotted kissing her necklace and pointing to the sky, paying tribute to her father. The necklace, in the shape of an American eagle, was given to her by her father before his passing. She felt his presence throughout the performance and took a moment to reflect on her life and career, expressing gratitude to her parents, who mattered the most to her.
Emma Hayes’ journey from managing Chelsea to leading the United States women’s national team to Olympic gold is a testament to her dedication and passion for the sport. Despite facing challenges and personal loss, she was able to achieve remarkable success and create a lasting impact on women’s football. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring managers and athletes alike, demonstrating the importance of perseverance and belief in one’s abilities.