Two months isn’t much time to create history—but for Emma Hayes, it was plenty. Taking charge of the USWNT with just weeks to prepare, she did the unthinkable: led them to Olympic gold, unbeaten. “We’re a different team since she’s come in,” said forward Sophia Smith, summing up Hayes’ impact. For Hayes, though, it wasn’t just about her genius.

Emma Hayes sat down with Sky Sports’ Anton Toloui to reflect on her whirlwind year, particularly the Paris Olympics. Staying true to her humble nature, Hayes credited her team as much as herself. “I have amazing players. We had a backroom staff that came together… it’s never one single thing,” she explained. But she didn’t shy away from recognizing the numbers: “We scored the most goals, were defensively solid, and peaked at the right moment. Together, we created something remarkable.”

And yet, for Hayes, the journey wasn’t without deep reflection. After the final whistle, she turned to longtime assistant Denise Reddy and asked, “Can you believe what we’ve done?” Reddy’s reply? “Yeah, I can. We worked our whole life for this.”

And the entire country acknowledged her work. Carla Ward, who was Hayes’ rival during Chelsea days, joined her backroom staff for the USWNT ahead of the 2024 Olympics. And after looking at the work Hayes had done, she was certain the USA would secure the gold. “There was never one doubt in my mind that she was going to win gold,” said Ward during an interview with The Guardian.

Still, the most satisfying moment for Hayes wasn’t the trophy. “I just see them—the players! On the podium, with smiles and gold medals,” Hayes said. “For Americans, Olympic football gold is the ultimate dream. Their joy is what gives me joy.”

And joy has a way of snowballing. Hayes didn’t stop at gold—she bagged FIFA’s Best Women’s Coach award and, recently, top honors from the IFFHS for her incredible work with the USWNT. But that is not the end.

Emma Hayes continues to bag honors

After a trophy-laden career at Chelsea, Emma Hayes embraced a bold new challenge with the USWNT. And what a decision that turned out to be! In record time, Hayes led the team to an Olympic Gold, the SheBelieves Cup, and the Concacaf W Gold Cup. Her impact wasn’t just about the wins—it was about reigniting the team’s fire and putting them back on the map as global contenders.

But there’s more to her magic than silverware. In her first year at the helm, Hayes has turned the USWNT into an unstoppable force. Rising stars like Naomi Girma and the electrifying Triple Expresso have flourished under her guidance. And it’s not just fans who’ve noticed. Hayes became the first USWNT coach—and only the second Englishwoman—to win the prestigious IFFHS World Best Women’s National Team Coach award. Isn’t it incredible to see someone leave such a lasting mark in so little time?

Of course, her team’s triumphs only add to her growing legacy. In 2024 alone, Hayes scooped up FIFA’s Best Women’s Coach award (for the second time!), the Ballon d’Or Women’s Coach of the Year, and more. So what’s next for this winning streak? Knowing Hayes, the best might still be to come.