Emma Hayes is fast becoming one of the standout figures of the World Cup coverage on ITV. The former Chelsea Women manager, working as a pundit for the tournament, has captivated audiences with her tactical analysis during the often-criticized hydration breaks. The 49-year-old delivers her insights using nothing more than a blackboard and chalk at ITV's studio in Brooklyn, New York.
While Hayes may be a fresh face for some World Cup viewers, those who have followed women's football over the past decade recognize her as one of the most successful English coaches of her generation.
Early Life and Career Shift
Born in London, Hayes was part of the Arsenal academy as a youngster. However, her dream of becoming a professional footballer ended after a serious ankle injury on a ski trip. She then pursued academia, studying at Liverpool Hope University before earning a master's degree in intelligence and international affairs. Her university experience sparked her move into management, starting with coaching the women's team in the late 1990s, followed by a youth player development role at Crystal Palace.
Hayes moved to the United States in 2002 as a first-team coach for Long Island Rough Riders, becoming the youngest coach in the USL W-League. After being named Coach of the Season, she joined Iona Gaels for two years. She returned to England in 2005 as an assistant first-team coach at Arsenal Ladies, where she helped the club win 11 major trophies, including three league titles, three FA Cups, and the UEFA Cup. Hayes went back to the US in 2008 to manage Chicago Red Stars and later served as technical director for other American sides.
Unrivaled Success at Chelsea
Hayes returned to the UK in 2012 and became Chelsea Women manager mid-season. She spent her early years laying the foundation for a dominant era in English women's club football. Her first silverware came in 2015 with a Women's Super League (WSL) and FA Cup double, the first of 16 trophies at the club. She won seven WSL titles, including five consecutive between 2020 and 2024, along with five FA Cups, two League Cups, a WSL Spring Season title, and a Community Shield. The Champions League title eluded her, with a runners-up medal in 2020/21 after a 4-0 defeat to Barcelona. Hayes was inducted into the WSL Hall of Fame in 2021 and won The Best FIFA Football Coach award in 2022.
Managerial Record
- Played: 506
- Won: 334
- Drawn: 56
- Lost: 116
- Win percentage: 66%
Leading the USWNT
Hayes left Chelsea in 2024 to manage the United States women's national team, one of the most prestigious roles in the sport. Despite just two months to prepare, she led the US to the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning all six matches, including a 1-0 victory over Brazil in the final. Hayes will guide the US at the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. If the US wins a record-extending fifth World Cup title, Hayes would become only the second English manager, male or female, to win the World Cup.
