‘When you’re striving for the summit, you have to leave behind what no longer serves your ascent.’ Reaching the top often requires sacrificing everything to get there, and for USWNT manager Emma Hayes, her journey has come with a fair share of personal struggles. Her accomplishments at Chelsea have established her legacy in the soccer world, but reaching the peak means leaving the comfort of the valley behind. 

Ahead of her side’s friendly against England at Wembley, the Ballon d’Or coach of the year reflected on what it took her to reach where she is today. Hayes mentions that she had missed out on multiple weddings, birthday parties, and other intimate occasions, in pursuit of her goals, something that her family knew would come at the cost of her success. 

“Emma always put football first and sometimes I’m not always proud of that. And it was lonely, many times it was really lonely because I had a dream for the game, not for myself. I had a dream for women’s football that I’ve been able to live and I’m just so grateful that I was pushed by my parents and my family to be able to do that.” said Hayes at the pre-match media conference. 

But the former Chelsea boss believes she’s far from ending her already successful career. “But I haven’t finished either. There’s more I want to achieve in the game and I want to make sure I give everything I’ve got because this is one of my purposes to be on this planet. And I intend to fulfill it with the force that I know I can be.” added Hayes. 

Her 12-year stint at Stamford Bridge is a clear indication of the records she has set, which are likely to remain untouched for years to come. While some may advocate for a good work-life balance, only those who have reached the top know what it takes to get there. 

Sacrifice, success and Stamford Bridge: The Blues legacy 

On paper, the price she paid was small compared to the legacy she built. Emma Hayes won the FA Women’s Super League 7 times, with 5 of those wins coming in a row between the 2019/20 and 2023/24 seasons. Out of 367 matches, Hayes’ Blues won 261, boasting an impressive 71.12% win rate.

Over her two-decade managerial career, Hayes has a win percentage of 65.34% which ranks her among the best managers in history. Ever since she took the USWNT job, her side has already won the Olympic gold in Paris and looks to be the favorite to win the upcoming World Cup. Hayes will be meeting familiar faces at Wembley, as her side will be taking Sarina Wiegman’s England, someone she has known from her days at Stamford Bridge.