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Two-time Olympic gold medalist and FIFA World Cup champion Carli Lloyd has come to the defense of former US men’s soccer star Alexi Lalas after critics slammed him on social media over his political stances.
Lloyd, a FOX Sports soccer analyst, responded to a trolling comment on X in which Lalas was called a “fascist” and Lloyd was called his “sidekick.”
Hope Solo (1) and Carli Lloyd (10) of the United States celebrate with the American flag after beating Japan 2-1 to win the women’s gold medal at Wembley Stadium during the London 2012 Olympic Games, in London, England, August 9, 2012. (Michael Regan/Getty Images)
“Confront their views, don’t be peacemakers, otherwise history will see this as another #Argentina78,” the comment reads in part, referring to the 1978 World Cup in Argentina marred by controversy over the host country’s human rights violations at the time and attempts at sportswashing.
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The two-time FIFA women’s world champion hit back, saying she had never publicly expressed her political views.
“Opinions? You don’t even know my opinions. I’ve never expressed them and it doesn’t matter. I’m a football analyst. I don’t claim to be an expert in anything else,” Lloyd said in his response to X.
Another X user responded by saying: “I wish your friend Ginger would do the same. You could also teach him how to be a good football analyst. He’s not good at it.”
Lloyd responded, suggesting that Lalas’s criticism only came from him sharing his conservative views on social media.
Carli Lloyd of the United States celebrates after scoring her team’s fourth goal in the women’s bronze medal match against Australia at Kashima Stadium during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Kashima, Japan, August 5, 2021. (François Nel/Getty Images)
“If he spoke as a Democrat, you would say the opposite. You would like him. And that’s the problem,” his message said.
Lalas has not been shy about discussing his political views or his support for the current administration. In September, he shared a post on X calling himself a “supporter” of President Donald Trump and his policies aimed at combating illegal immigration.
“Yes, I am a supporter of President Trump and I like what he has done to secure our border and combat illegal immigration. But I can still recognize the negative perception it can create and the impact” [regarding] potential visitors for the World Cup,” Lalas posted.
“Of course, what I feel is a long-term good thing for my country outweighs any temporary concerns about the impact of the World Cup. However, I think it is important to work to counter any negative perceptions with the message that, as long as you comply with visitor requirements, pass security checks, enter legally, and obey our laws (as all other World Cup organizers require of their guests), you will have a great summer vacation wonderful, unforgettable and safe for the 2026 World Cup.”
Alexi Lalas attends the official brand launch of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Griffiths Observatory on May 17, 2023 in Los Angeles. (Katelyn Mulcahy/FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Lalas also supported the U.S. men’s ice hockey team after their gold medal in Milan Cortina. He said in an article on X that he hoped “USMNT/USWNT players watch and take note” of the players’ patriotism.
“True love, respect and appreciation for your country (or lack thereof) will show on the field. Win/lose, people want to be inspired, united and proud. Celebrating your country is beautiful and fun…it’s also smart.”
Lalas also attended the State of the Union address, where the men’s ice hockey team was honored with a standing ovation.
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