American soccer legend Alexi Lalas has come to Korbin Albert’s defense amid outrage over her inclusion on the U.S. women’s team’s Olympic roster.
Albert, 20, has been controversially selected to represent the United States at this summer’s Games in Paris despite sharing a series of anti-LGBTQ+ posts on social media.
After those posts were unearthed, the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder was booed by fans of her national team when she recently came on as a substitute wearing a rainbow-themed shirt.
The LGBTQ+ community was quick to criticize her Olympic selection after Emma Hayes’ 18-man squad was confirmed this week, with one fan suggesting she should have been “forced to stay home and attend Pride rallies and counselling”.
Lalas, however, has shown his support for Korbert despite the fierce criticism he receives.
Alexi Lalas defended Korbin Albert amid outrage over his inclusion on the Olympic roster
Albert, 20, has been controversially selected to represent the United States at this summer’s Games in Paris despite sharing a series of anti-LGBTQ+ posts on social media.
The former USMNT defender quoted a post about her selection at X and wrote, ‘Don’t let the turkeys get you down, Korbin. Congrats and best of luck to you and all of our #USWNT Olympians.’
“Make us proud this summer and beyond.”
Albert has come under fire after reposting a video from a Christian worship space preaching against homosexuality and transgenderism.
In another TikTok post, which has since been deleted, she showed her family saying “their pronouns are America,” over the Fourth of July weekend.
Screenshots indicated that the young woman also “liked” a post that appeared to celebrate Megan Rapinoe’s injury in the 2023 NWSL championship, her final match.
Amid the controversy, Albert issued an apology on social media in March, saying: ‘I want to sincerely apologize for my actions on social media. Liking and sharing offensive, insensitive and hurtful posts was immature and disrespectful, which was never my intention.
‘I am truly disappointed in myself and deeply sorry for the hurt I have caused to my teammates, other players, fans, friends and anyone who has felt offended.
Lalas has told the midfielder not to let the ‘turkeys’ knock her down after showing her support
Albert has received strong criticism from the LGBTQ+ community for his online activity.
She was booed by her supporters after being introduced as an alternate while wearing a rainbow-themed T-shirt earlier this month.
Albert posted an apology on social media shortly after the controversy arose in March.
“I sincerely believe that everyone should feel safe and respected everywhere and on every field of play. I know that my actions have not lived up to that 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 after criticism from Rapinoe, who did not specifically name Albert on her Instagram Story but is believed to have been referring to her indirectly.
The former USWNT captain wrote: ‘To the people who want to hide behind “my beliefs” I would just ask one question: Are you making any moment in space safer, more inclusive, more whole, any semblance of the best, bringing out the best in anyone?…because if you’re not the only thing you believe in is hate. And children are literally killing each other because of this hate. Wake up TF! Sincerely, #15.’