Emma Hayes has officially been appointed as the head coach of the United States women’s national team.
The 47-year-old, who has been at the helm of Chelsea since 2012, will continue leading the Blues until the conclusion of the 2023/24 season before assuming her role with the USWNT. She steps into the position vacated by Vlatko Andonovski following the team’s disappointing performance in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
During her tenure at Chelsea, Hayes has achieved remarkable success, securing six Women’s Super League (WSL) titles, including the last four consecutively. Additionally, the team claimed the Women’s FA Cup five times, with a notable victory over Manchester United in the previous season marking three consecutive triumphs in the competition.
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Hayes, recognized for her coaching prowess, was named the Best FIFA Women’s Coach in 2021 and was inducted into the WSL Hall of Fame the same year. She has also received both an OBE and MBE for her outstanding contributions to the sport.
In her new role, Hayes faces the significant task of guiding the USWNT back to the summit of international women’s football after their disappointing exit in the last 16 of the World Cup, marking their worst-ever performance in the tournament.
Expressing her gratitude for the opportunity, Hayes stated, “This is a huge honor to be given the opportunity to coach the most incredible team in world football history. The feelings and connection I have for this team and for this country run deep. I’ve dreamed about coaching the USA for a long time, so to get this opportunity is a dream come true.”
Acknowledging the importance of the team in U.S. society, Hayes emphasized the collaborative effort required to achieve consistent success at the highest levels. She expressed her understanding of the team’s significance beyond the soccer community and the honor of building on its legacy.
Hayes, who previously discussed the difficulty of leaving Chelsea, is poised to lead the USWNT with dedication, devotion, and a commitment to achieving their goals on the global stage.