Lindsey Heaps: A Veteran's Perspective on French Football and Future Challenges
Lindsey Heaps, the esteemed captain of the US women's national team, sits in Lyon, a city that has shaped her journey from a novice to a leader. Now donning the iconic No 10 shirt for OL Lyonnes, inherited from Dzsenifer Marozsán, Heaps reflects on her career with the wisdom of a veteran. She describes herself as a perpetual student of the game, always seeking the "good struggles" that defined her early days.
Dominance and Discontent in the Première Ligue
The timing of this interview is significant, following Lyonnes' recent victories: a 1-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain and a 4-0 derby triumph over Saint-Étienne. These results solidify OL's position, leading the league by 14 points over second-placed Nantes, with PSG trailing by 17 points in fifth place. For Heaps, this dominance is not just a badge of honor; it underscores a broader issue within French women's football.
While acknowledging some progress, such as the competitive spirit shown by teams like Marseille, Heaps expresses frustration. "It's nowhere near where it needs to be for a professional league," she states. "I don't think many clubs treat their players as professionals or create an environment that's professional. It's not competitive enough." She contrasts this with the NWSL in the US, where parity ensures that any team can win on any given day.
At Lyonnes, the lack of external competition forces the team to generate intensity internally. "Some of our really hard intense trainings are sometimes more difficult than some of the games," Heaps explains. "And it's really great because we need to prepare for the big games."
Personal Growth and Leadership in France
Heaps' connection to France runs deep, beginning with her teenage move to Paris to turn professional, bypassing college—a rare step for American players at the time. "I'm honestly a whole different person," the 31-year-old says. "I didn't flourish right away there, but I went through the good struggles that I needed." She encourages others to embrace such challenges: "To go and experience a different league, a different culture ... you can't teach that anywhere, and that's so valuable."
Today, Heaps rejects the "star" label, preferring to be seen as a role model. "Now I am also a leader, since the last four or five years, helping the team to improve in any way possible with my experience and the trophies I've won," she notes. Her leadership has been influenced by observing veterans like Wendie Renard, and she is navigating a historic transition at Lyonnes, including new ownership under Michele Kang, whom she praises as an "absolute fighter."
Tactical Insights and European Ambitions
Heaps' relationship with manager Jonatan Giráldez highlights her commitment to learning. "I like a coach that can challenge my brain," she says, admitting to being a self-professed "nerd" for the game. The focus is on meticulous details like decision-making and tactical positioning, with Giráldez's competitive nature serving as an inspiration.
For Lyonnes, domestic success is only part of the equation. The team is driven by a collective obsession to reclaim the European crown, often reviewing past losses to fuel improvement. "When you step foot in this building, in the locker room, you just know right away that this is a winning club," Heaps asserts. She emphasizes that talent alone is insufficient: "You can have the best players in the world, but you need to come together as a team."
Cultural Exchange and Future Endeavors
The cultural exchange at Lyonnes is mutual, with Heaps bringing her "US mentality" while forming bonds across generations, such as with 18-year-old Lily Yohannes. As she prepares to leave for Denver in the NWSL, Heaps reflects on France as a second home. "Lyonnes has given me so much ... It's such a family," she says. "It was just the right time for me to go back to the NWSL."
With four months remaining, her goal is clear: "The goal is to win, and win everything. And Champions League is obviously on the forefront. That's the baby that you always want to win." She vows to give her all until the end, cherishing the legacy she leaves behind.
