Carli Lloyd Reflects on Sacrifices During Soccer Hall of Fame Induction

Frisco, Texas – Carli Lloyd, a two-time World Cup champion, delivered a heartfelt speech during her induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame on Sunday. It’s been almost four years since she announced her retirement from professional soccer, a decision that has allowed her to gain a new perspective on life.

In her acceptance speech, Lloyd expressed remorse to her former teammates for prioritizing her career over personal connections. She admitted, “I wasn’t there to make friends or follow the crowd. I was there to push myself to the very top while helping my team win championships.” This relentless drive often kept her at a distance from those around her.

Reflecting on her journey, Lloyd shared that her intense training and dedication came at a significant cost. “I operated like an emotionless machine,” she said, acknowledging the sacrifices that included missing important family milestones such as birthdays and weddings.

Lloyd also discussed the transformative changes she experienced since becoming a mother in October 2021. Welcoming her daughter, Harper, she noted, “I always knew I wanted a child, but I had no idea how this little baby could completely change me as a person.” She emphasized that motherhood has made her more present and vulnerable compared to her playing years.

During her roughly 20-minute address, Lloyd posed several reflective questions to the audience, exploring whether the sacrifices she made were worth it. Ultimately, she concluded, “As lonely and difficult as the journey was at times, I would do it all over again.”

Lloyd’s impressive career included two Olympic gold medals, two World Cups, and the title of FIFA World Player of the Year. During the ceremony, she was inducted alongside former USMNT goalkeeper Nick Rimando and veterans Mary Harvey and Chris Armas. The 2025 Hall of Fame class also featured Mark Abbott, who was recognized for his contributions to soccer development.

As she wrapped up her speech, Lloyd highlighted her desire to use her experiences to inspire her daughter and future generations. “I want to teach her how to be strong, to chase her dreams and to understand that nothing in life is handed to you, you earn it,” she said, emphasizing the importance of resilience and hard work.