Soccer Legend Carli Lloyd Regrets Her "Emotionless Machine" Reputation

A strong commitment to her profession assisted former U.S. women's national soccer team star Carli Lloyd in earning a place in the Hall of Fame.

But During her acceptance speech on Sunday, she said , the two-time World Cup winner also recognized the personal cost she incurred as she relentlessly chased her objectives.

“I apologize for not being fully present with each of you,” Lloyd stated to her previous team members. “While I don’t regret my choices, what I might change is allowing more individuals to comprehend who I am. For many years, I acted as though I were an unfeeling automaton. My approach was fierce, and I genuinely think that surviving in such a competitive world required this intensity.”

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Lloyd, who retired in 2021 Following her 316 appearances for the USWNT, she was among the five individuals inducted into the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame during Sunday’s ceremony held in Frisco, Texas.

Her credentials were impeccable Aside from her significant contribution to the two World Cup-winning squads, Lloyd netted the decisive goals in the final matches for Olympic gold at both the 2008 Beijing tournament and the 2012 London event. Additionally, she earned recognition as a two-time FIFA Player of the Year—the second U.S. soccer star after Mia Hamm to secure this global accolade more than once.

But Lloyd's steely intensity ran counter to some of the other free spirits on those teams such as Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan.

She acknowledged that stepping down as an active player – along with becoming a parent – has provided her with a fresh viewpoint.

"I always knew I wanted a child, but I had no idea how this little baby could completely change me as a person," Lloyd said. "Unlike during my playing career, I have been present. I have allowed myself to be vulnerable, emotional, and fully engaged in every moment I get to spend with her."

Ultimately, Lloyd decided that despite the isolation caused by her rigorous training—separating her from both teammates and family—it had been worthwhile.

"As lonely and difficult as the journey was at times, I would do it all over again," she said. "There was nothing I loved more than winning, but winning comes at a cost, and I paid that price."

The article initially appeared on USA TODAY: Soccer Hall of Famer Carli Lloyd regrets being 'an emotionless machine'