Carli Lloyd, an iconic figure in women’s soccer, has garnered immense recognition for her incredible achievements on the field. As a two-time World Cup champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and a former FIFA Player of the Year, Lloyd’s accolades are countless. However, there’s more to this athlete than what meets the eye. In this article, we delve into lesser-known aspects of Carli Lloyd’s personal life, career journey, and accomplishments that have helped shape her as one of the most influential women in sports.
Contents
Carli Lloyd – Unknown Information and Facts
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated at $2 million (as of 2021). |
| Girlfriend/Boyfriend | Carli is married to Brian Hollins, a professional golfer. |
| Physical Stats | Height: 5’7″ (170 cm), Weight: 141 lbs (64 kg), Body Type: Athletic. |
| Parents | Father: Stephen Lloyd, Mother: Pamela Lloyd. |
| Siblings | Has one brother, Stephen, and one sister, Ashley. |
| Achievements | 2-time FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion (2015, 2019), 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist (2008, 2012). |
| Awards | Golden Ball (2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup), Silver Boot (2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup), 2-time FIFA Player of the Year. |
| Injuries | Had a major ankle injury in 2010 and a shoulder injury in 2013. |
| Tattoos | Carli has several tattoos, including a meaningful one for her Olympic success. |
| Position | Midfielder, Forward. |
| Playing Style | Known for her powerful shots, ability to score under pressure, and leadership on the field. |
| Trophies | 2-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, 2-time Olympic gold medalist, NWSL Championship (2013). |
| Goals | Scored over 130 international goals for the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT). |
| Match Experience | Over 300 caps for the USWNT, ranking second in team history for appearances. |
| Dominant Foot | Right footed. |
| Heading Ability | Exceptionally skilled in heading, scoring multiple goals through headers. |
| Scoring Ability | She is known for her incredible accuracy and long-distance shooting, with several iconic goals in the World Cup finals. |
| Pressure-Handling Skills | Carli is famous for excelling in high-pressure situations, particularly in World Cup finals. |
Early Life and Inspiration
Carli Lloyd’s journey to becoming one of the greatest female soccer players in history began in Delran Township, New Jersey. From a young age, she exhibited a natural talent for soccer, often playing alongside boys, where her competitiveness and skill quickly became apparent. Carli’s mother, Pamela, often reminisced about how Carli’s passion for the sport shone through from the start. Her love for the game grew stronger after attending the 1999 Women’s World Cup, where she was inspired to represent the U.S. on the global stage.
College and Professional Career
Lloyd’s collegiate career at Rutgers University was a remarkable one, where she not only excelled as a key player but also made history by becoming the first athlete in the school’s history to be named First-Team All-Big East for four consecutive years. After earning numerous awards and accolades, she graduated with a degree in Exercise Science and Sport Studies. Carli’s club career started with the Chicago Red Stars before stints with Sky Blue FC, Atlanta Beat, and Western New York Flash. Each step of her career, particularly in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), helped solidify her place as a key figure in women’s soccer.
International Career and Achievements
Carli Lloyd’s international career with the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) was nothing short of legendary. She made her senior debut at 23 after having previously represented the U.S. Her most famous moments came during the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she scored a historic hat-trick in the final against Japan, becoming the first player ever to do so. Carli’s leadership, clutch performances, and ability to perform under pressure made her a key player for the U.S. in several World Cups and Olympic tournaments.
Her international achievements also include two Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012) and four Olympic appearances. She was named the FIFA Player of the Year twice (2015, and 2016) and received the Golden Ball Award in 2015 for being the best player of the Women’s World Cup.
Retirement and Legacy
Carli Lloyd officially retired from professional soccer after her final match with the U.S. Women’s National Team in 2021. Her legacy is not only defined by the accolades she collected but also by the impact she had on the sport, particularly for young girls aspiring to play soccer at the highest levels. She remains an inspiration and an example of hard work, dedication, and success.
FAQ Section
1. How many goals did Carli Lloyd score in her career?
Carli Lloyd scored 134 goals for the U.S. Women’s National Team, ranking her among the top goal scorers in team history.
2. What is Carli Lloyd’s most memorable moment?
Lloyd’s most memorable moment came in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup final when she scored a hat-trick in the first 16 minutes, helping the U.S. secure victory.
3. What teams did Carli Lloyd play for in her club career?
Carli played for several teams in her club career, including Chicago Red Stars, Sky Blue FC, Atlanta Beat, Western New York Flash, Houston Dash, and Manchester City (on loan).
4. Is Carli Lloyd married?
Yes, Carli Lloyd is married to Brian Hollins, a professional golfer.
5. What are Carli Lloyd’s future plans?
Since her retirement, Carli has focused on various business ventures, including public speaking, mentoring, and promoting women’s sports.
Carli Lloyd’s career has set a benchmark in the world of women’s soccer. With multiple World Cup and Olympic victories, as well as countless individual honors, her influence extends far beyond the pitch. Whether it was her stunning goals, ability to handle high-pressure moments, or leadership, Carli has earned her place among the greatest athletes of all time. As we reflect on her accomplishments, it’s clear that her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of soccer players.
