While Emma Hayes enjoyed a successful period at Chelsea and was preparing to leave for the USWNT, distressing news hit her hard. Her father, Sid Hayes, passed away in September 2023. It certainly brought her entire world crumbling down after the loss of her father, mentor, and friend. “I owe so much to the biggest feminist in my life, my father,” confessed Hayes, talking about how much her father inspired her. It’s been two years now since the USWNT head coach lost her father. And, in his remembrance, the 48-year-old paid a heartfelt tribute to her late father.

Apart from being recognized for her tactical brilliance and commanding presence in football, Hayes’ personal side was shaped by her father. He had a telling influence on her, and the USWNT coach misses him every passing day. In her Instagram post, she shared a picture of her son Harry sitting on a bench with Sid, and they shared a candid moment. She wrote an emotional note for her father, “Well, here we are again – another year without you, and I’m still trying to figure out how to navigate this world without your gidance. I often find myself wishing I could pick up the phone and hear your voice, especially when I need a dose of your no-nonsense wisdom or a good laugh.”

Expressing sorrow and gratitude and learning life lessons prepared her for a bigger test. Inspiring core values like courage, determination, and empathy make her reflect those traits on a football pitch as well. With her successful tenure as a coach with Chelsea and now the USWNT, Sid’s influence on her remains crucial. “You taught me that it’s okay to laugh at ourselves and that life’s hard lessons are often the best stories” she added.

Although most people remember Hayes for her achievements, this post showcases how close she was with her father. Hayes mentioned, “You had this incredible ability to make everyone feel loved, even when you were dishing out tough love.” Therefore, using a deeply personal tone, she spoke of her father’s lessons and the various teachings she adopted from him.

Emma Hayes’ ultimate role model

Contributing to the sports world remains one thing, but taking care of your family without compromise deserves respect. Sid Hayes did exactly that in his life, according to Emma. She stated, “Your warmth and humor were the glue that held our family together. You had this incredible ability to make everyone feel loved, even when you were dishing out tough love. I miss our chats, your terrible jokes, and your ability to lighten even the heaviest of days.”

Talking about Sid’s achievements remains a gargantuan task for most people because he simply loved and breathed soccer. One notable achievement is his crucial role in setting up Arsenal women’s soccer teams, which helped them dominate for years to come. Likewise, he also set up the Regent’s Park youth leagues, ran teams for young men and women, and picked up trophies on the way.

In fact, Mr. Hayes set up a family-run theatre tickets and currency exchange business in Jubliee Market Hall, Covent Garden, which he was still working at almost right up until his death.

Emma Hayes’s social media posts show a heartbreaking loss. Sid Hayes remained a true icon of the game for his work in women’s soccer. He certainly revolutionized the game for all women players, and Emma Hayes, now, is continuing his legacy on the pitch.