Lindsey Horan: The colossal midfielder captaining the USWNT into a new era
By her own account, Lindsey Horan is an emotional person.
When she made her World Cup debut with the USWNT - a tournament considered the pinnacle of football - she made no secret of the fact she cried.
“It was one of the most emotional moments of my career,” she revealed to NBC Sports.
“I couldn’t believe I accomplished everything that I wanted to and I was playing at a World Cup, representing my country.
“That’s got to be the most incredible feeling in the world.”
For Horan, playing for the USA is something you ‘dream of as a little kid’.
You can therefore imagine the kind of emotion she experiences not only playing but also captaining her side on the world stage.
From lining up alongside veterans to becoming one, the Lyon midfielder is relishing in the responsibility of sporting the armband.
“I just want to make a positive impact on every individual in the team, try to get the best out of them, learn what makes them tick and what motivates them,” she told FIFA.
“It’s a cool role to have. It’s a very inspiring thing.”
At a time of change for the USA - with a new manager coming in and a flurry of young talents breaking through - Horan is determined to use the ‘honour’ of being captain to usher them into a new era.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 06: Lindsey Horan #10 of United States celebrates a goal from Sophia Smith #11, to take a 2-1 lead over Canada, during a win over Canada in the Semifinals 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup at Snapdragon Stadium on March 06, 2024 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Lindsey Horan: Watch what these kids can do
Despite a period of transition, Horan believes this is an exciting time for the USWNT.
Now more than ever there is an abundance of budding youngsters ready to take the world by storm.
“I think everyone should stay tuned and watch what these young kids can do,” she continued in her interview with FIFA.
“We’ve got some leaders in there too, and we’re meshing well.”
As one of the core leaders of the group, the 29-year-old wants to encourage the next generation of stars to seize their chance.
“I’ve made it known that they make up a lot of this team now, that’s the biggest thing.
“I’ve told them: we need you guys to get to the level you need to be at as soon as possible. Maybe it has come around a little bit quicker than you thought it would - but you have to [get used] to the fine details, have conversations, and learn as much as you can in this environment.
“You guys can all do it and that’s why you’re here.”
Among those players are 19-year-old Jaedyn Shaw and ‘limitless’ Sophia Smith.
“I really enjoy playing with her,” she said of Shaw. “I think she sees a lot of things that I like to do on the field as well.
“She’s a huge talent and she’s going to be such a big player for the national team.”
For 23-year-old Smith, Horan believes there is no limit to what she can achieve.
“She is someone who wants to get better and grow as much as possible. It is not a shock to see her doing such great things for club and country.
“There is no limit for that girl [and] that is so exciting for all the US fans.”
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: Lindsey Horan #10 of Team United States reacts after scoring a goal during the second half of a game against Columbia at Snapdragon Stadium on October 29, 2023 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Horan’s Olympic dream
The timing for the arrival of new manager Emma Hayes could not be more perfect for the USWNT.
After a disappointing World Cup tournament last year, in which they crashed out to Sweden, the Americans are bringing in a coach who knows what it takes to win titles.
It marks the first step in helping to restore their dominance.
A serial winner with Chelsea, Horan dubs the English woman as one of the ‘most intelligent’ managers in the game.
“She is one of the most intelligent coaches who are around,” she told Forbes. “I have heard nothing but the best about her. I think she has the presence and leadership that we need.
“The main thing as an athlete is you want to be continuously learning and who better [to learn from] than Emma Hayes - I’m really excited about that.”
Upon the conclusion of the Women’s Super League, Hayes will assume her position with the USWNT.
Her first major task at hand? The Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Growing up watching the Olympics with her grandpa, it is something Horan is striving to win gold in.
The USA took bronze home at Tokyo 2020, but their captain is ready to take things to the next level.
“I don’t have a gold medal from the Olympic Games,” she continued with Forbes. “We obviously won bronze last [time] and nothing can take away from that, but I think we felt we could have just done so much more.
“We could have been better, that wasn’t our standard of play. I think, for me, it’s really exciting to go into this Olympics and have another chance to get on the podium and win a gold medal.
“We will do everything in our power and I will do everything in my power to help the team and impact [them] in the best way possible.”