Emma Hayes is arguably one of the most successful managers in the history of the women’s game. Despite facing countless challenges on her journey through life, her passion for women’s football and perseverance to succeed have allowed her to achieve things her younger self could only have dreamed of.
At present she is the head coach of the prestigious USA Women’s National team. Having recently guided her team to an Olympic Gold, she is proving just why she is considered one of the best in the game. Her accolades and victories in the industry are unmatched and showcase her determination to create an equal environment between men and women in sports. Not only is she a trailblazer from the sidelines, but she inspires from beyond the pitch.
Although already considered the most decorated manager in women’s football, Hayes continues to inspire the next generations of young boys and girls in sports, to achieve the unachievable.
Her Career:
Whilst Hayes is a natural leader and the perfect fit for a managerial role in the game, she had different aspirations during her childhood. Many people are unaware that Hayes aspired to become a professional footballer during her early life. During her teenage years she worked her way through the ranks at Arsenal, showcasing herself as a dominant and talented midfielder. She was certainly making a name for herself in North London and had a promising future ahead of her in the sport.
However, her on-field career came to a premature end following a devastating ankle injury, sustained on a ski trip. Following this unexpected event, Hayes decided to take a break from football. An event like this would set back many athletes for a long time, yet Hayes could not stay away from the football pitch for long. She took this misfortune in her stride.
Hayes returned to the sport in no time: this time as a coach. There was a role open for a women’s team coach at Liverpool Hope University that the young leader could not refuse. Her career took off from this point. Two years later, she moved to the United States and decided to take a leadership role with Long Island Ladies. Her immediate impact was clear when they won the Northeast Division of the Easter Conference within her first year at the club. After taking the lead in a few locations, she moved back to her hometown and became the manager of Chelsea Women’s FC. She remained there for over a decade.
Now, Hayes is arguably the most successful and versatile manager in the women’s game. Recently, she assumed leadership of the USA Women’s National Team, and once again, victory has swiftly followed in her footsteps.
Breaking records with Chelsea:
In August 2012, Hayes became the head coach in West London. She remained at the club for a record-breaking twelve years, where she saw success after success.
During this time, Chelsea were crowned champions of the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) an incredible eight times, which is unmatched by any other British club in women’s football history. In fact, Hayes took the team on an incredible journey as they lifted this prestigious trophy for five consecutive years (between 2020 and 2024). Chelsea championed the sport and broke record after record with Hayes running the show.
However, the Blues did not only dominate the league, they were also triumphant in other competitions: winning the Women’s FA Cup five times, the Women’s League Cup twice, and the Women’s FA Community Shield in the 2020/21 season. These statistics speak for themselves.
For the fans, Hayes is a true legend that they will never forget. After her final game in the WSL, she asserted that she
“wanted to create the role models that I never had”
and felt honoured to have been able to call Chelsea her “family” and her “home”. She has driven positive change in women’s football in England since she joined the Blues in 2012 and hopes that
“women’s football will only explode”
in the years to come. Her time in West London has come to an end, but her legacy will live on for a lifetime.
A new challenge in the States:
Despite having coached Chelsea for over a decade, the champion decided it was ready for her to take her next step. In May, Hayes became the new head coach of the USA Women’s National team, following WSL glory earlier that month. With high expectations on her shoulders joining such a prestigious and successful national team, it was certainly a big decision for the Londoner to make. However, this decision was based on spending more time with her family outside the international window and contributing her experience and taste for glory in a new environment.
It did not take her long to make her mark on the international stage. During the summer, the USA competed in the Olympics against some of the rising stars in the women’s game. Having only been at the helm for a few matches ahead of this major tournament, many though the USA were at a slight disadvantage. However, Hayes’ drive and determination for Gold saw the team triumph the Games and return home with the top spot on the podium.
“It was the stuff dreams are made of” for the head coach. Leaving Paris victorious was the perfect start for this next chapter in her career. But “it doesn’t mean it ends there” and she is hungry for more with this nation. There is a bright future ahead, once again showcasing her ability to lead, and her courage to overcome any obstacle she faces on her path to glory.
Her impact on the women’s game:
Although it is clear that Hayes is remembered for her ability to drive a team to victory, there are several accolades to her name that should not be overlooked. Hayes was added to the Women’s Super League Hall of Fame in 2021, alongside several legends of the game. This year, she also received the award for the Best FIFA Football Coach, consequent to her success in West London. These are only a few of the awards she has won to date, and there are certainly more to come.
For her services to women’s football, she was honoured with an MBE in 2016, and then an OBE in 2022. Throughout her life, Hayes has always been focused on bridging the inequality gap between men’s and women’s sports. Her enduring success and triumphs at Chelsea not only establish her as one of the best in the game but also serve as a powerful reminder that greatness knows no gender.
To conclude this piece, her words:
“I’ve said this a million times over – you can’t find a female coach working in the men’s game, leading men.”
For the next generation of young girls and boys, she is an inspiration and living proof that all challenges can be overcome if you are determined enough to succeed and make a difference.
Photo – https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/emma-hayes-to-depart-chelsea-end-of-season
