USMNT legend DEFENDS controversial Christian soccer star Korbin Albert after LGBTQ+ activists’ meltdown over her Olympics selection
American soccer legend Alexi Lalas has come to Korbin Albert’s defense after outrage over her inclusion on the U.S. national team’s Olympic roster.
Albert, 20, has been controversially selected to represent the US at this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris, despite posting a number of anti-LGBTQ+ posts on social media.
After the reports came to light, the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder was booed by fans of her national team when she was recently brought on as a substitute in a rainbow jersey.
The LGBTQ+ community has been fiercely vocal about her Olympic selection after Emma Hayes’ 18-player roster was confirmed this week, with one fan even suggesting she should have been “forced to stay home and attend Pride meetings and counselling”.
However, Lalas has supported Korbert, despite the fierce criticism she has received.
Alexi Lalas has defended Korbin Albert amid outrage over her inclusion in the Olympic squad
Albert, 20, has been controversially selected to represent the US at this summer’s Games in Paris despite sharing a number of anti-LGBTQ+ posts on social media
The former USMNT defender quoted a post about her selection on X, writing, “Don’t let the turkeys get you down, Korbin. Congratulations and much success to you and all our #USWNT Olympians.
“Make us proud, this summer and beyond.”
Albert has come under fire after previously posting a video of a Christian worship service in which he preached against homosexuality and transsexuality.
In another TikTok post – which has since been deleted – she showed her family saying “their pronouns are US” over the Fourth of July weekend.
Screengrabs indicated that the youngster also ‘liked’ a post that appeared to celebrate Megan Rapinoe’s injury in the 2023 NWSL Championship — her final match ever.
Amid the controversy, Albert apologized on social media in March, saying: “I would like 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 sorry for the pain I have caused my teammates, other players, fans, friends and anyone who was offended.
Lalas has told the midfielder not to let the ‘turkeys’ get her down after he showed his support
Albert has received heavy criticism from the LGBTQ+ community for her online activities
She was booed by fans after being introduced as a substitute earlier this month while wearing a rainbow jersey
Albert posted an apology on social media shortly after the controversy arose in March
‘I truly believe that everyone should feel safe and respected everywhere and on all playing fields. I know my actions fell short of that and for that I sincerely apologize.
“It is an honor and a privilege to play this sport and on the world stage and I promise to do better.”
The apology came after criticism from Rapinoe, who did not specifically mention Albert by name in her Instagram Story but is widely 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 the space safer, more inclusive, more complete, a little better, are you getting the best out of everyone? …because if you don’t, hate is the only thing you believe in. And children are literally destroying themselves because of this hatred. Wake up TF! Sincerely, #15.”