Paris 2024: Emma Hayes speaks of 'dream' of winning Olympic gold with Team USA - 'bigger than anything else'

Emma Hayes' tenure as head coach of the United States' women's national team kicked off in superb fashion as she guided the team to the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Mallory Swanson scored the winning goal to beat Brazil in the final. discovery+ is the streaming home of the Olympic Games, and the only place you can watch every moment of Paris 2024 this summer.

Emma Hayes has admitted United States’ gold medal in women’s football at Paris 2024 left her in a state of shock.

Hayes left Chelsea earlier in the summer after guiding them to a fifth successive Women’s Super League title.

There was no easing into the job for Hayes, as she took charge of Team USA’s Olympic Games bid.

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The decision to appoint Hayes paid immediate dividends, as Mallory Swanson’s goal proved enough to beat Brazil 1-0 in the final.

Hayes spoke to Eurosport after the final and was full of praise for the USA players.

“I am very emotional,” Hayes said. “It’s been a dream of mine to be in this position.

"I’ve got to thank my dad because he is the one who pushed me to this point and be able to come and coach an unbelievable group of players that have received me so well and taken on board everything I’ve asked. 

“They are tremendous people and players and role models and I love them.”

Hayes added in an interview with the BBC that victory in the Olympics eclipsed all her achievements at club level.

"Chelsea has been my love," she said. "Every trophy I won with that club is dear to me.

"But this professionally is probably much bigger than anything else I have ever done."

Watch as Swanson grabs winning goal for USA against Brazil in women's football final

Video credit: TNT Sports

Hayes’ father passed away in 2023, and she showed a necklace that was his and said he was supporting her in her journey to become USA boss.

“I’m so emotional thinking about it,” Hayes said. “I’ve got my dad’s necklace on and it’s got an American Eagle. He was with me today and that helped. 

“The crowd were tremendous, Brazil were tremendous, I’m speechless to be honest, I’m in shock.”

Watch USA's women celebrate winning football gold as Cruise and Rapinoe applaud

Video credit: TNT Sports

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discovery+ is the streaming home of the Olympic Games, and the only place you can watch every moment of Paris 2024 this summer.

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