“The French league? Easy…” said Cristiano Ronaldo, “France only has Paris Saint-Germain. The rest are finished.” These words come from a time when the legendary Portuguese forward vocally ranked the Saudi Pro League above Ligue 1. Undoubtedly, even today, these statements are enough to ignite a fervent debate among soccer aficionados, just as they did back then. But what if we told you that a similar yet distinct opinion has surfaced—this time from the women’s game, involving Lindsey Heaps? Well, hear out USWNT icon Jessica McDonald once!

To offer you some context, it all began while comparing Heaps’ domestic and international performances. Apparently, the argument stems from the fact that at Lyon, the midfielder delivers seamless performances. But the same isn’t the case while representing the American ladies. Though this is something that McDonald does understand, she still wholly blames the French domestic league.

“Well, truth be told, playing at the international level and playing domestically for your pro team, they’re two completely different types of soccer,” began the former US international on The Attacking Third podcast. An obvious distinction, given that the players on a domestic team have completely different personalities. Meanwhile, a national team typically requires players to adapt within a shorter and faster timeframe.

“But with that being said if you wanna look at the French league, there is such a huge gap between the top of the table to the bottom of the table. Most of us would be scoring and having that many assists if I were in the best team playing against these low-tier teams,” she added, suggesting it’s the lack of competition that has seen Heaps deliver the magic in a foreign land.

11 goals and 7 assists in 13 Division 1 Féminine games. In fact, add another goal that she scored in one of the 8 games she has played in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. That’s how solid Lindsey has been for her domestic side. However, for the Stars and Stripes? Well, this year, she has played two games so far in 2025 but no goalscoring antics have been displayed yet.

Sure, 36 goals and 37 assists in over 161 apps are impressive, but it still doesn’t match what she does for Lyon. “She has played more reserved with the USWNT,” said Jessica, even though the retired forward praised Heaps’ constant determination to get into the final third and her ability to dominate in the air.

“But at the end of the day, competition in the French league isn’t top-tier the way it is at the international level. And so, that’s where the competition differentiates there,” concluded the former USA star.

Ouch, for the French league of course, as yet another fresh instance where they faced such scrutiny. As for Heaps, boy does she has a lot to prove on the international front. It’s almost as if this less-competitive tag that the French domestic competition has dimmed the 30-year-old’s true ability.

Come to think of it, if the midfielder does look to prove that wrong, might we suggest Lindsey take a step that she herself once hinted to make?

Can a potential NWSL move fix things for Lindsey Heaps?

Honestly, there is not even a comparison of the exposure that Europe has, unlike America, especially when it comes to the beautiful game. In fact, any typical individual award is a testament to this fact. For instance, the 2024 Ballon d’Or nominations saw many fans criticizing the presence of Lindsey Heaps, with a player of Naomi Girma’s caliber being snubbed. But everyone knows that contesting in European tournaments certainly has a greater advantage over those who aren’t. So then, why even offer such advice—to leave the very place that gives Heaps so much recognition?

Technically, she has two options: first, she ends up staying in Europe but decides to leave the French league for another domestic competition like England’s WSL or even those in Spain and Germany.  That way, she would be able to maintain her ‘European’ credibility. Then again, it depends on the interests of other teams. More importantly, the time she has spent with Lyon hardly makes us believe that she’ll be taking this step.

The second choice is the one the midfielder once hinted at doing so. As a Golden, Colorado native, seeing that her hometown is set to get a new NWSL team surely lures her to play there at some point in her career. “I think anyone would want to go and play for their respective hometown team,” said Heaps earlier while commenting on Boston getting the NWSL expansion rights. She even called it an ideal move in retrospect to her family, who won’t have to take constant flights just to see her play.

But, we call it a clear, subtle hint that the former Horan does aim to make an NWSL return, with Denver this time. As for the part about how it will help her in performing for the US Women’s National Team, it’s obvious, isn’t it? Being surrounded by similar people with whom she collaborates on the international front regularly—albeit they will be in her own team or rivals—does give her a chance to fix what has been stopping her from delivering for her nation.

So the final call rests on Lindsey Heaps. Rest assured, one can only hope she ends up making such stellar contributions to her national team as well.

What are your thoughts on this? Sound off in the comments.