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Two-time Olympic gold medalist and FIFA World Cup champion Carli Lloyd has come to the defense of former US soccer star Alexi Lalas after critics called him out on social media over his political views.
Lloyd, a FOX Sports football analyst, responded to a trolling comment on X calling Lalas a “fascist” and Lloyd being called his “sidekick.”
Hope Solo (1) and Carli Lloyd (10) of the United States celebrate with the American flag after defeating Japan 2-1 to win the women’s soccer gold medal match on Day 13 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Wembley Stadium in London, England, on August 9, 2012. (Michael Regan/Getty Images)
“Confront their views, don’t be an appeaser or history will see this as another #Argentina78,” the comment read in part, referring to the 1978 World Cup in Argentina, which was marred by controversy over the host nation’s human rights abuses at the time and attempted sports laundering.
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The two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion fired back, stating that she has never spoken publicly about her political views.
“Views? You don’t even know my views. I’ve never expressed them and it doesn’t matter. I’m a football analyst. I don’t pretend to be an expert on anything else,” was Lloyd’s response to X.
Another user on X shot back, saying: “I wish your Ginger friend would do the same. You could teach him how to be a decent football analyst too. He’s not good at it.”
Lloyd responded, suggesting that the criticism of Lalas only stems from him sharing his conservative views on social media.
Carli Lloyd (10) of the United States celebrates after scoring her team’s fourth goal during the women’s bronze medal match against Australia on Day 13 of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Kashima Stadium in Kashima, Japan, on August 5, 2021. (Francois Nel/Getty Images)
“If he spoke as a Democrat, you’d say something else. You’d welcome it. And that’s the problem,” her post read.
Lalas has not shied away from discussing his political views or his support for the current administration. In September, he shared a post on X saying he is a “supporter” of President Donald Trump and his policies targeting illegal immigration.
“Yes, I’m a supporter of President Trump and I love what he’s done to secure our border and address illegal immigration. But I can still acknowledge the negative perception it can create and the impact [regarding] some potential World Cup guests,” Lalas wrote. “Obviously what I feel is good in the long term for my country overrides any temporary concerns about the World Cup impact. However, I think it is important to work to counter any negative perception with the message that as long as you follow visitor requirements, pass security, enter legally and abide by our laws (as every other World Cup host has required of guests), you will have a wonderful, memorable and safe World Cup summer 2026.”
Alexi Lalas attends the official launch of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Griffiths Observatory on May 17, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Katelyn Mulcahy – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Lalas also supported the US men’s ice hockey team after their gold medal win in Milan Cortina. He said in a post on X that he hopes “the USMNT/USWNT players see and take note,” regarding the players’ patriotism.
“True love, respect and appreciation for your country (or lack of) will manifest 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 participated in the State of the Union address where the men’s ice hockey team was honored with a standing ovation.
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