“To be dancing, smiling… I mean, the player of the match was that post. You were lucky to not be going home right now.” Consider this one of Carli Lloyd’s milder criticisms after watching the USWNT players celebrate their narrow progression to the knockout stage of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, despite a lackluster group-stage performance. Honestly, the likes of Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, and others have endured far harsher words, with Lloyd rarely having a filter. Unapologetic has long been her nature—until now, as the former striker has finally fired off that magical five-letter word that fixes even the worst of the worst situations.

Yes, you guessed it right—Carli has finally said the word ‘sorry.’ She’s apologized for all the harsh criticism and blunt commentary she once aimed at her former teammates and fellow national stars. And let’s be honest—it’s not like this was long expected from the former USWNT skipper. Everyone knows how tough she was, not just as a player but also as a pundit, always finding ways to deliver constructive—if not outright destructive—criticism.

It often came across as harsh to those on the receiving end, who had two choices: accept it for what it was or play with fire and respond. More often than not, when it came to Lloyd, it was the first option. But now, it seems the sun has finally risen in the west, with the iconic forward making peace and clearing any grudges or grievances others may have held against her for her outspoken nature.

And you won’t believe where this heartfelt expression came from—none other than the grand stage of her Soccer Hall of Fame induction speech. “I operated like an emotionless machine… I truly believed that the only way for me to survive in such a cutthroat environment was to be that way… To my teammates… I’m sorry I wasn’t always able to give you all of me,” Carli Lloyd vocally admitted, as compiled by Just Women’s Sports.

Well, believe it or not, this is what she said. After years of bashing and throwing shade at players, it looks like Lloyd has finally decided to mend old wounds. And just as they say—better late than never. Yet, the key question remains: will former stars like Rapinoe, Morgan, and others who once took offense to Carli’s remarks actually accept this apology?

That’s because forget the World Cup stage, even in the aftermath, Lloyd double-downed on criticism, questioning the player’s “level of entitlement” after their unfortunate exit from the round of 16, even further questioning their team spirit. That wasn’t the end of it. Shortly after the World Cup disappointment, Lloyd stirred more controversy by questioning Vlatko Andonovski’s squad, claiming they lacked “passion.” Her comments didn’t sit well with the then-head coach, who fired back by calling her claim “insane.”

However, with time, the former NJ/NY Gotham FC star softened her stance. She acknowledged the difficult circumstances Vlatko faced, pointing out that his tenure coincided with the team’s ongoing equal pay lawsuit, citing it as a period when tensions were high and many players were stepping up to make key decisions. Instead, Carli rather put the bill of defeat on her teammates’ account, stating there wasn’t any “strong leader” within the group.

While she attributed the USWNT’s downfall to a wide array of issues, Lloyd ultimately described the 2023 exit as a blessing in disguise. In fact, the former Manchester City player argued that the team needed to be humbled to regroup and bounce back stronger.

Heck, not just the Women’s National Team, Lloyd was even critical of the USMNT. The 2x World Cup winner who scored a 13-minute hat-trick in the 2015 final once slammed a few of the American boys for being too defensive for their then-manager Gregg Berhalter. The former Western New York Flash star insisted that all the players would even “run through a brick wall” for him.

The 2015 IFFHS World’s Best Woman Playmaker winner criticized them for being too comfortable and complacent under Berhalter, also reminding them how it hardly helped them win anything. She pointed out that despite having all the resources at their disposal, the Stars and Stripes lacked hunger and drive—unlike the old-school generation, which, in her words, had grit built into their DNA.

Though Lloyd’s apology during her National Soccer Hall of Fame acceptance speech was directed solely at the American ladies, perhaps the USMNT stars can take a bit of it to heart as well. Not to mention, this is the least she can do, considering the Delran Township, New Jersey native prided herself on how “honest” she was.

Alex Morgan and co. should be lucky to see an apologetic Carli Lloyd

For someone who always kept trying different things and hardly remained in her comfort zone, it was only natural for Carli Lloyd to be ‘brave’ enough about all the outspokenness she showcased for Alex Morgan and Co. “I’ve always been somebody that is blunt, that’s honest, that maybe comes across to the media as being selfish, arrogant, all these words that I’ve heard about me. And that’s been pretty wild to hear because it’s really not true,” said Lloyd earlier.

This was quite evident in the Netflix documentary Under Pressure. Specifically in Episode 4, several figures, including former USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski and star Tobin Heath, criticized Lloyd for her harsh comments. However, Carli remained unfazed. The former Houston Dash versatile star explained that her intentions were rooted in the importance of speaking honestly.

“I think I’m the only USWNT player that has been this open and honest about what I’m seeing, and I think for so long, it’s fluff, and it’s you know, saying what we all wanna hear.” Lloyd further added, “My job is to say what I feel, and I’m not afraid to say what I feel.”

Lloyd even admitted that her bold honesty might upset some players. Yet, she stood steadfast in her commitment to speaking her mind. Then again, it seems Carli Lloyd has finally realized how her words affected the likes of Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, and many other USWNT stars.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.