Emma Hayes Returns to London: A Triumphant Homecoming for the USWNT Coach
LONDON, England — Emma Hayes, the head coach of the United States women’s national team, is back in her hometown of London for the first time since leaving Chelsea this past summer. After 12 unforgettable years with the Blues, where she solidified her legacy as one of the greatest women’s football managers of all time, Hayes has embraced a new chapter in her career. And judging by her energy and enthusiasm, it’s clear she’s thriving. The once-fatigued figure who bid farewell to Chelsea after clinching her fifth consecutive Women’s Super League (WSL) title now appears rejuvenated and ready for her next challenge.
“I definitely didn’t feel healthy at the end; I felt quite unwell at the end of my time at Chelsea,” Hayes admitted during a Monday press conference at Camden’s iconic music venue, The Underworld. “[Now] I feel like I’ve got my mojo back, and my smile back and joy back that I didn’t realize how much I’d lost in that. And to do that means that I am loving football more than ever, and I’m clear about all the things that I want to do.”
In just three months at the helm of the four-time world champions, Hayes has already added an Olympic gold medal to her résumé. But this week, she faces a unique challenge: a return to Wembley Stadium, where her U.S. squad will take on England’s Lionesses in a friendly. For Hayes, it’s a bittersweet homecoming, filled with nostalgia and a touch of the unfamiliar.
A Humble Beginning
Hayes’ journey to becoming a footballing icon is rooted in her Camden upbringing and the unwavering support of her parents, Sid and Miriam. Her late father, Sid, was instrumental in shaping her career, encouraging her to take the U.S. job before his passing in September 2023. His absence during her final season at Chelsea was deeply felt, as he had been her biggest cheerleader. Sid’s relentless work ethic, honed through managing the family’s foreign exchange business, became a cornerstone of Hayes’ own drive for success.
Reflecting on her childhood, Hayes shared a story that encapsulates her grounded upbringing. As a young girl, she once mimicked the posh accent of a wealthier friend, only for her mother to remind her, “Your s— still stinks.” That moment stuck with Hayes, shaping her humility and determination. “I’m not from a privileged background; I’m from a home where you had to keep your feet on the ground and be humble and hardworking,” she said. “I don’t take anything for granted. I earned everything; it wasn’t gifted.”
On Monday, Hayes was all smiles as she returned to her beloved Camden, surrounded by friends, family, and media. “I’m such a Camden girl and I’m so happy to be back in Camden,” she said. “This is my home, and I’m very much looking forward to an amazing week with my team.”
- Hayes credited her community for shaping her values and ambition.
- She emphasized the importance of staying grounded and working hard for success.
- Her family’s unwavering belief in her potential has been a constant source of strength.
At one point during the event, Hayes asked the room who believed she would become a serial winner. Every hand shot up, a powerful testament to the faith her loved ones have always had in her. “So many people say they saw that for me; I didn’t necessarily think that was going to happen,” she admitted. “I knew it was what I wanted and I knew the sacrifices I’ve made in my life to get to where I am.”
A Different Type of Game and Familiar Faces
Wembley Stadium is a familiar stage for Hayes, who has coached numerous FA Cup finals there. But Saturday’s match against England will feel different. This time, she’s the “pantomime villain,” leading the U.S. team against the Lionesses on their home turf. With 80,000 tickets already sold, Hayes knows the atmosphere will be electric—and hostile. But she’s ready for it.
“There’s no denying it’s a different type of game, playing at Wembley,” she said. “I had to think through how I’m going to be standing there as an away team coach because it will be full of English people supporting the home team.”
For Hayes, the emotional weight of the matchup goes beyond football. England is her home, the place where her success has been celebrated. Now, she finds herself on the other side, facing players she once coached and mentored. “I have to go through a weird moment when the national anthem’s playing,” she said. “I’ll also do the same for the American national anthem. I love both anthems, and beyond that weird moment and seeing some of the competitors I’ve come up against or players that I’ve gone to war with, it’s business come kickoff.”
Among the familiar faces Hayes will encounter are Chelsea players Hannah Hampton, Aggie Beever-Jones, and Millie Bright, her former captain. “Millie is like a little sister to me,” Hayes said. “She’s a special person.”
Looking Ahead
While the match is a significant moment, Hayes is focused on the bigger picture. She plans to use the game to experiment with new strategies and give less-experienced players a taste of the big stage. “There have to be connections and relationships there, but I also want to give opportunities,” she explained. “I want a player who’s got one or two caps to experience what it’s like to play in front of 80,000 people.”
For Hayes, this isn’t just about winning—it’s about building the future of women’s football. “I work every day so that I can build women’s sport and women’s football,” she said. “I know exactly where I am and what I want to do with my life, and that’s in the women’s game.”
As she prepares for Saturday’s clash, one thing is certain: Emma Hayes is back, and she’s better than ever.
Originally Written by: Sophie Lawson
