On April 9, the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT) narrowly defeated Canada to win the SheBelieves Cup trophy. However, there were boos on the field for the USWNTdue primarily to an LGBTQ+-related controversy involving one player: Korbin Albert, The Athletic noted.
In Columbus, Ohio, where the in-stadium announcer had to re-do the substitution announcement when Albert came on for another player, she was booed. This happened again after the game when her name was read during the trophy ceremony.
Albert has been embroiled in controversy after sharing anti-LGBTQ+ posts on social media and also liking content mocking queer legend Megan Rapinoe, Goal.com noted. Among the posts that Albert also created on her TikTok profile was a now-deleted video from 2023's Fourth of July weekend, showing her family taking turns stating that "their pronouns are U.S.A.," with Korbin participating. She received scathing criticism from Rapinoe for her actions.
The USWNT players have now issued a statement on the controversy that continues to engulf the national team. In part, it reads, "As allies and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, those efforts will not stop. Across the country, human rights are being stripped away. LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights. Trans rights are human rights. Today and every day, the USWNT Players will stand up for those rights."
In addition, Alberta 20-year-old midfielder with French Division 1 Feminine club Paris Saint-Germain whose U.S. Soccer profile lists her hometown as Grayslake, Illinoishas apologized, according to The Athletic. "I'm really disappointed in myself and am deeply sorry for the hurt that I have caused to my teammates, other players, fans, friends and anyone who was offended," she wrote on social media. "I truly believe that everyone should feel safe and respected everywhere and on all playing fields. I know my actions have not lived up to that and for that I sincerely apologize. It's an honor and a privilege to play this sport on the world stage and I promise to do better."
Andrew Davis