It’s hard to believe that dreams could turn into reality so soon. November 2023 was just a glimpse of what it meant for Emma Hayes to join the USWNT, citing it as the biggest honor. Signing the highest contract for a woman coach in the beautiful game, Hayes has already written herself into the record books. However, her joining the iconic team was just a part of what the former Chelsea coach’s late father Sid foresaw for her. Thus, remembering her feminist dad’s support, Hayes admits to shedding tears reaching the final of the 2024 Olympics.

Her thoughts were full of her father’s words years ago claimed the 47-year-old manager in the Sports Agents podcast. Initially, Hayes, said, “Sitting on the halfway line of Japan vs USA, the Olympic gold final and he went ‘Which ones are these, you coach? One day girl it’ll be you,'” stating how her dad believed in her abilities. As it came true after 12 years, it was nothing but a touching moment for the USA boss before the gold medal game in August.

Hayes further stated that it was her father’s words that echoed in her heart. “And those last ten minutes, for the first time I got a little nervous or emotional I should say. And for those last ten minutes, I took out my dad’s necklace with an American Eagle and George Washington on it and I just rubbed it under my t-shirt and I went ‘dad,’  and I could feel the tears coming down my face,” giving a glimpse of her emotions before the final match. It’s hard to believe how their conversation from the 2012 Olympic final turned real.

Moreover, her family was a major motivator for Emma Hayes to move to the USA. The USWNT coach previously shared that her father’s encouragement inspired her to take the job shortly before his passing last year. Later it was her son Harry who gave the nod, giving her endless joy.

Throwback to the time when Emma Hayes’ father was impressed by soccer in the USA

Sid’s aspirations for Emma Hayes to pursue the USA predate the previous year. Every USA fan knows how the coach loves the States and her earlier spell in the WPL. But against it was her father who laid the foundations for the former Chelsea coach visiting the USA 25 years ago. It was reportedly the epic 1999 World Cup final with a crowd of 90, 185 that drew his heart. The vibe which he called unbelievable was a good reason for Hayes to join the Long Island Lady Riders after three years.

Nevertheless, the rest was history. Hayes moved back to England and established herself as WSL’s best manager ever. Winning 16 trophies in 12 years, Hayes not only became a serial winner but also a great manager to play under. Therefore, as USWNT embarks on an adventure with their manager, Hayes’ father Sid will also have a place in history for his minor yet impactful involvement.