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The widespread usage of social media and the emergence of incredibly popular apps like X (Twitter) and Instagram have changed the world. People that the world wouldn’t otherwise know about have become famous, while other highly talented individuals have only seen their fame grow. When it comes to Korbin Albert, her rise as a star on the soccer field has come with controversy due to her social media presence.
Olympic Buzz
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Less than a year after making her first appearance with the United States Women’s National Team, Korbin Albert is playing on the world’s largest stage as a member of the 2024 Olympic roster. The 20-year-old star has quickly earned her way onto the field, but her rise has also caused controversy within the team and among fans.
An Athletic Family
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A native of Grayslake, Illinois, Korbin Albert grew up in an athletic family. Her mother, Janet, was an All-American in track and field at the University of Iowa. The youngest of six children, Albert is far from the only athlete in the family. Two of her brothers play collegiate soccer, and one of her sisters is a two-sport athlete in college.
Chicago Star
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While her older siblings excelled athletically, Albert quickly made a name for herself on the soccer scene. Growing up in a suburb of Chicago, Albert played for the Eclipse Select Soccer Club — one of the premier club teams in the region. Albert’s ability on the field gained the attention of people connected to U.S. Soccer and her path to the Women’s National Team was created.
Youth National Team
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As a result of her skills, Albert was added to the United States Youth National Team player pool while playing for Eclipse Select SC. While she had no trouble excelling in Chicago and the surrounding region, Albert would now have an opportunity to test her abilities against the best players across the country.
Leveling Up
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As her star began to rise, Albert entered bigger competitions throughout the country. In women’s soccer, the United States is the benchmark. The Women’s National Team is the most successful in international women’s soccer, winning four Women’s World Cup titles (1991, 1999, 2015, 2019), and four Olympic gold medals (1996, 2004, 2008, 2012). If Albert was going to reach the USWNT one day, she would need to prove herself at the youth level.
Player of the Year
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Not only did Albert continue to play at a high level, but she was named the player of the season for Eclipse’s league two times (2018–19 and 2020–21). While her stock continued to soar within the U.S. player pool, colleges around the country also began to hone in on Albert. With her advanced skills, Albert decided to enter college a year early.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
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In 2021, Albert reclassified and committed to the University of Notre Dame. Albert joined a program that is considered one of the best in women’s soccer. The Fighting Irish have won three National Championships (1995, 2004, 2010), have five runner-up finishes, and have produced over 40 professional soccer players. Entering a program of such high stature, Albert certainly had a challenge ahead of her…
Making An Immediate Impact
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While Albert was joining a historic program, she didn’t let the pressure get to her early on. As a freshman in 2021, Albert was a key member of an Irish team that was ranked as high as No. 15 in the nation. The Illinois native quickly proved to be one of the best players in the country. She scored 12 goals — second most on the team — and earned numerous honors. In addition to earning ACC All-Freshman Team honors, Albert was named to the Top-Drawer Soccer Freshman Best XI Team.
Collegiate Superstar
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Following a great freshman year, Albert was viewed as one of the best players in the nation entering her sophomore season. Albert led all midfielders with 16 goals — good for 8th overall in the country — nine of which came against Top 25 opponents and scored six game-winners. The Irish climbed as high as No. 4 nationally, and Albert was the main reason why. Albert was a finalist for the Mac Hermann Trophy — given to the nation’s best player — won the Top Drawer Soccer Player of the Year, earned All-America honors, and was a First-Team All-ACC player. Ultimately, the Irish lost in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament.
Turning Pro
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Albert and the Fighting Irish fell short of their ultimate goal, but the star midfielder would soon be taking another huge step in her career. On January 31, 2023, following two seasons at Notre Dame, Albert signed a professional contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG):
“It’s not even (just) on the girls’ side; the men’s side has Mbappe, Messi and Neymar,” Albert said. “So that influenced my decision a lot. Messi is an idol; a big person I look up to. Once I heard about PSG, I was like, ‘Wow! That’s crazy. There’s no way this is happening.’ But I just saw that opportunity and thought I just need to take it before it’s gone.”
From Notre Dame to Paris
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Joining a club as iconic as PSG was too hard for Albert to pass up, but she was quick to compliment her teammates and friends at Notre Dame:
“The teammates here, my coaches, my friends, everyone that’s supported me has really helped me grow in that direction. I would say the coaches challenged me every single practice, every single game, to be the best that I could be. And I think that helped prepare me to be where I am at now.”
Built For Success
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As we mentioned earlier, Albert grew up in a competitive environment. The daughter of a former All-American and the sibling of three collegiate athletes, Albert consistently competed against the best. This was not lost on her mom, Janet:
“It’s been a journey trying to get her always being challenged,” said Janet . “I had her playing with boys, Croatian boys, boys that ended up playing pro later on, and then it came to a point where she outgrew that, so I had her playing with men when she was much younger. It’s been a challenge trying to keep her challenged. Probably in the last two years, she’s taken on a lot of development, bringing in different things to her game. Covid was a really good year for us. We worked on angles to goals and everything else we could. I’m just so proud of her.”
Albert in Paris
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Albert may have been the leading star at Notre Dame, but she is just one of many high-end players playing for PSG. The 20-year-old made her debut for Les Parisiennes in 2023 and has eased her way into the starting lineup. Albert played eight games in her first season with the squad and became a regular in Year 2 — scoring her first goal in a Champions League appearance.
USWNT Debut
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After a meteoric rise through the Youth National Team scene and the collegiate ranks, Albert broke through on the highest level towards the end of 2023. In addition to joining PSG, the Illinois native made her Women’s National Team debut against China in a friendly on December 5, 2023. Her first start came two months later against the Dominican Republic in a group stage match of the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup — and she scored her first international goal in this game. However, drama would soon surround the budding star…
Social Media Outrage
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Shortly after the USWNT won the Gold Cup, Albert reposted a few videos on her TikTok. Included in the public reposts was a video of a sermon given in a Christian worship space talking about how being gay and “feeling transgender” is wrong. Additionally, Albert ‘liked’ a post on Instagram that read, “God taking time off performing miracles to make sure Megan Rapinoe sprains her ankle in her final ever game.” As her social media activity began to spread, Albert posted an apology on her Instagram account:
“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 intent. I’m really disappointed in myself and am deeply sorry for the hurt that I have caused to my teammates, other players, fans, friends and anyone who was offended. I truly believe that everyone should feel safe and respected everywhere and on all playing fields. I know my actions have not lived up to that and for that I sincerely apologize. It’s an honor and a privilege to get to play this sport on the world stage and I promise to do better.”
Rapinoe Responds
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In response to Albert’s actions, USWNT legend Megan Rapinoe took to her personal Instagram and said:
“To the people who want to hide behind ‘my beliefs’ I would just ask one question, are you making any type of space safer, more inclusive, more whole, any semblance of better, bringing the best out of anyone? … because if you aren’t all you believe in is hate. And Kids are literally killing themselves because of this hate. Wake TF up! Yours Truly, #15.”
Albert’s Teammates Respond
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Rapinoe wasn’t the only USWNT star to respond to Albert’s social media activity. Former USWNT stalwart Becky Sauerbrunn reposted Rapinoe’s message and added, “Well said.” Kristie Mewis, Lynn Williams, and Sam Mewis also shared Rapinoe’s post. Additionally, stars Alex Morgan, Lindsey Horan and Christine Press openly shared their disappointment with the midfielder.
Fans Voice Their Displeasure
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In June, Albert returned to the field for the United States Women’s National Team during a SheBelieves Cup win against Japan. The star entered the game in the 78th minute and was met with a chorus of boos from the crowd in Atlanta. While both teammates and fans have voiced their displeasure with Albert, the young star remains a fixture within the team.
Olympic Team and Public Backing
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On June 26, new national team coach Emma Hayes announced the 18-woman roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics — Albert made the cut. Albert’s inclusion surely upset some supporters — especially with the legendary Alex Morgan failing to make the roster — but Hayes justified Albert’s inclusion:
“There’s no denying there’s been a lot of work that’s been going on in the background, to work with Korbin,” Hayes said. “As I’ve expressed on a couple of occasions, it’s really important that everybody on this team understands the importance of not just being tolerant and respectful and understanding the things that are going to matter to us all.”
“Korbin has had to learn, and my experiences with her has been someone who, she’s a young person who’s understood fully the implications of her social media activity. I’m not going to go into that in great detail because that’s between Korbin and I. But the conversations we have had have been to talk about the importance of what we have to be mindful of and how we’re all part of environment that’s one that appreciates and understands the damage that that can do.”
“I can say, firsthand, having spent a limited time with Korbin, she really is a lovely person and someone who really values the most important things. She’s spending time working on herself, as we all do. I look forward to building on that with her. I want everybody to know that my job is to make sure I keep doing that and I want the fans to really embrace Korbin. I do think she’s a tremendous human being.”
Moving Forward
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Beginning with the 2024 Olympics, Albert will be a key member of the United States Women’s National Team for years to come. The young star has publicly apologized for her actions and her teammates and coach have shown their support as a result. Albert will play a pivotal role for the USWNT as they look to secure a fifth gold medal.
