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United States Women’s National Team Midfielder Korbin Albert Apology
On Thursday, United States women’s national team midfielder Korbin Albert issued an apology for her past social media activities that seemed to endorse anti-LGBTQIA+ content and for reportedly liking an Instagram post that made light of Megan Rapinoe’s Achilles injury in her final professional game.
Albert, a 20-year-old emerging talent for both the U.S. and Paris Saint-Germain, played a significant role in the recent Concacaf W Gold Cup victory, starting in all three knockout matches while sporting the No. 15 jersey – a number previously worn by Rapinoe throughout her career before retiring in late 2023.
Apology and Reflection
In a statement shared on her Instagram story late Thursday, Albert expressed deep remorse for her actions on social media. She acknowledged that liking and sharing posts that are offensive, insensitive, and hurtful was immature and disrespectful, emphasizing that it was never her intention to cause harm. Albert expressed disappointment in herself and extended a sincere apology to her teammates, fellow players, fans, friends, and anyone who may have been offended by her behavior.
Reports of Albert’s controversial social media activity emerged earlier this week, with screenshots revealing her approval of a post seemingly celebrating Rapinoe’s injury during the 2023 NWSL championship match in November. The moment when Rapinoe suffered a torn Achilles on November 11 resulted in her sidelining for the remainder of the game, which ultimately ended in a 2-1 defeat for her team.
Additionally, Albert shared a video featuring a segment from a Christian sermon where an individual expressed shame about their sexuality and identity. These actions prompted a powerful response from Rapinoe, who highlighted the importance of creating safe, inclusive, and supportive spaces for all individuals, particularly in the context of LGBTQIA+ rights advocacy.
A Pledge for Change
Following Rapinoe’s message, Albert posted her own apology, reiterating her commitment to fostering a sense of safety and respect for everyone, both on and off the field. She acknowledged that her conduct had not aligned with these values and vowed to strive for improvement. Recognizing the privilege of competing on the global stage in professional sports, Albert expressed her dedication to doing better in the future.
As of now, U.S. Soccer has not issued a response regarding Albert’s apology or any potential implications for her participation in the upcoming SheBelieves Cup roster. The women’s national team is slated to assemble for the tournament in Atlanta next week, with Albert’s status awaiting further clarification.
This story includes information from The Associated Press.
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