United States women’s national soccer team legend Tobin Heath has not ruled out a return to the sport’s international stage and to the four-time World Cup champions in the near future.
Heath has not played for any club or country since 2022, due to a cartilage problem that required two surgeries. His last appearance with the national team was in October 2021.
Heath, now 36, was an integral member of the 2015 and 2019 teams that won back-to-back World Cups.
Much has changed on the national team since those successes under Jill Ellis, with Vlatko Andonovski leading the USWNT to a round of 16 exit from last year’s World Cup.
Now, with Emma Hayes in charge and looking to lead the American women back to the top of the world, nothing is off the table, including the reintroduction of Heath despite a deep talent pool of younger players.
Tobin Heath has not played for the US women’s national team since 2021 and that could change soon
“I haven’t said it publicly, but I can say that I have been actively recovering and trying to get back on the football field,” he told The Associated Press. “I haven’t ruled it out, to say the least.” . But I’m definitely on my own path to recovery.”
“I think for the first time in a few years, there’s a lot of excitement and hope around this team feeling a little free, you know?” Heath continued.
“I think with Emma being this kind of leadership figure that this young group needs, it’s an exciting time and we can all have a lot of hope,” Heath said.
“And at the Olympic Games, which is always a fun tournament in itself, I think anything is possible,” Heath added.
In her time off the field, Heath has kept busy with a podcast co-hosted by fellow USWNT veteran Christen Press.
Heath plays for Angel City in the NWSL and returned to training this month in hopes of returning to action with his club soon.
Heath has 155 caps for the USWNT and has scored 64 goals.
