Soccer fans heavily criticized United States women’s national team midfielder Korbin Albert after an anti-LGBTQ+ social media post appeared on her TikTok account.
The now-deleted posts Albert shared were from a Christian worship space and talked about how being gay and “feeling transgender” is wrong.
Albert, who also plays for Paris Saint-Germain in France, has posted similar content to his profile before, including a now-deleted post on his TikTok account from the Fourth of July weekend that shows his family and says “his pronouns are US.”
Former USWNT star and LGBTQ+ advocate Megan Rapinoe led, though she did not specifically mention Albert, criticism of her on social media on Thursday.
Albert also previously liked a post on Instagram that was revealed via a screenshot of a meme that mocked Rapinoe for getting injured in her final game last year.
Soccer fans harshly criticized US women’s national team midfielder Korbin Albert
Fans criticized Albert in their Instagram comments, with one saying it’s the ‘end of a career.’
It read: “God took time off to work miracles to make sure Megan Rapinoe sprained her ankle in her last game.”
Fans have flooded the comments on Albert’s pinned Instagram posts to criticize her, with one even claiming the controversy could be the “end of a career.”
One fan commented: “I think that was the fastest start and finish to a race.”
Another added: “How unfortunate because I looked up to you as a trans man who loves football… do better.”
“Megan Rapinoe has accomplished more in soccer than you have ever accomplished or will ever accomplish, just FYI,” one user wrote.
Another comment read: “It’s shocking and ridiculous that a grown woman who is supposed to be an inspiration to MILLIONS of her young countrymen doesn’t think twice before insulting innocent people who did nothing to you.”
One furious fan added: “I’m so disappointed you have those opinions about human beings and one of the USWNT legends whose number you literally wear.” But to express it publicly and then receive an insincere apology… the young generation will be the ones to save this team, but unfortunately you are not part of that,” ending with a clown emoji.
Another demanded incoming coach Emma Hayes remove her from the national team squad, commenting: “You don’t have my respect anymore.” Hopefully Emma Hayes will use your behavior as a reason to keep you out of the USWNT.
Megan Rapinoe (pictured with fiancee Sue Bird) led criticism of Albert on social media
Rapinoe did not specifically name Albert, but challenged her to stop “hiding behind ‘my beliefs.'”
One fan commented that Albert’s posts completed “the fastest start and finish to a race.”
In a post on his Instagram Story on Thursday night, Albert, 20, wrote: “I want to sincerely apologize for my actions on social media.” Liking and sharing posts that are offensive, insensitive, and hurtful was immature and disrespectful, which was never my intention.
“I am truly disappointed in myself and deeply regret the harm I have caused to my teammates, other players, fans, friends and anyone who has been offended.
‘I truly believe that everyone should feel safe and respected everywhere and on every field of play. I know that my actions have not been up to par and for that I sincerely apologize.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be able to play this sport on the world stage and I promise to do better.”
The apology came in the wake of criticism from Rapinoe, who did not specifically name Albert on her Instagram Story but is widely believed to have been talking about those posts.
Rapinoe wrote: “To the people who want to hide behind ‘my beliefs,’ I’d just ask one question: Are you making any moment in space safer, more inclusive, more complete, some semblance of the best, bringing out the best?” of each one? …because if you’re not, the only thing you believe in is hate. And children are literally killing themselves because of this hate. Wake up TF! Sincerely, #15.’
Albert, who plays for the Paris Saint-Germain soccer club in France, is a rising star for the USWNT.
Albert photographed with David Beckham and Kylian Mbappé while playing for PSG in France
He posted this apology on his Instagram story, where he acknowledged his ‘hurtful’ actions.
Veteran USWNT players shared Rapinoe’s post. USWNT captain Becky Sauerbrunn shared it with the caption “well said,” while other posts came from Lynn Williams, Kristie Mewis and now-retired midfielder Sam Mewis.
It’s a similar situation to the case of Jaelene Daniels (née Hinkle), whose openly anti-LGBTQ+ beliefs have seen her routinely impersonate the USWNT.
The women’s national team has long supported LGBTQ+ rights, and many members of the team identified at various times with that demographic.
But Albert and Daniels’ cases are significantly different.
Daniels once refused to appear with the USWNT when they wore rainbow numbers on the back of their jerseys to celebrate Pride Month in 2017. Albert, on the other hand, has not turned down a call-up to the team.
Since that 2017 incident, Daniels had received call-ups to the senior team, but his behavior continued, including when he did not participate in a Pride Match in 2022 for his club team, the North Carolina Courage.