Getty/GOALThe U.S. captain and self-proclaimed soccer enthusiast sat down with GOAL to talk about the team’s new era and her responsibilities in leading it.
Lindsey Horan finds moments on the field where laughter becomes her only response.
As a self-proclaimed soccer enthusiast, the captain of the U.S. women’s national team is constantly amazed whenever she lifts her head and sees the ball at her feet. She gazes at the exceptional talent ahead of her and a multitude of possibilities flood her mind. Whether it’s Mal, Sophia, Trinity, Jaedyn… regardless of where she passes the ball, she knows she will witness something extraordinary from the front row.
"It's stupid," Horan tells GOAL with a laugh. "It's like, this is so nice."
For Horan, having her dreams come true feels like this. As the captain of the USWNT, she has always viewed the game with a particular perspective. She firmly believes that soccer should not only be played, but played with elegance. And when she can gaze up the field and witness one of the finest attacks in the world taking shape before her eyes, the opportunity for exquisite soccer arises at any given moment.
And that is where the issue lies. Despite having a surplus of talent and the presence of a skilled player like Horan to lead the attack, the USWNT has faced difficulties in playing an aesthetically pleasing style of soccer in recent years. This team is filled with talented individuals, but their ability to create captivating performances has been limited. This is why the team is undergoing a rebuilding phase. The past year has been marked by significant changes, leading the team into a new era that commences this week with the Paris Olympics.
At the age of 30, Horan is aware that she is approaching the end of her tenure with the USWNT. As one of the team’s most seasoned veterans, she stands among the handful who have witnessed and achieved great things. While acknowledging her imperfections as a leader in the past, Horan remains committed to personal growth and continues to learn, even at this stage of her career.
As she prepares for the Olympics – the U.S. open the group stage against Zambia Thursday in Nice – Horan has taken those lessons to heart. She can both lead this young group, and be its conductor.
“I’ve gained an abundance of valuable lessons and experiences,” she expresses. “There are countless instances I could mention, but one of the most significant realizations is the distinction between Lindsey the footballer and Lindsey the captain. Previously, I predominantly identified as just the footballer, without prioritizing my own individuality. I focused solely on my game and my perception of football.”
“I’ve had to make a shift in my mindset where I realize that I am not just a player on this team, but also the captain and a leader. I understand that my actions and words hold weight and represent the team as a whole. While I acknowledge that my voice is not superior to that of every player, I am seen as a spokesperson for the team. This realization was an eye-opening lesson for me as I used to only think about football.”
With the USWNT seeking to reestablish their elite status on the world's stage – starting with the Olympics – Horan sat down with GOAL to discuss her first year as captain, what it's like under Emma Hayes and what goes through her head when she looks up with the ball at her feet.
