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 broadcaster during the tournament, has been captivating audiences with her tactical analysis during the often-criticised hydration breaks. The 49-year-old has been sharing her expertise 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 closely over the past decade instantly recognise her as one of the most successful English coaches of her generation.
From Playing Dream to Management Career
Born in London, Hayes was part of the Arsenal academy as a youngster, but her aspirations of becoming a professional midfielder were cut short after a serious ankle injury sustained on a ski trip. Turning to academia, she studied at Liverpool Hope University before earning a master's degree in intelligence and international affairs. Her university years sparked her move into management, starting with coaching the women's team in the late 1990s, which led to a youth player development role at Crystal Palace.
In 2002, Hayes became the youngest coach in the USL W-League after joining American side Long Island Rough Riders as a first-team coach. After being named Coach of the Season, she moved to Iona Gaels in 2003 and spent two years with the New York-based club. Returning to England in 2005, she served as assistant first-team coach at Arsenal Ladies, where she enjoyed three hugely successful years, winning 11 major trophies, including three league titles, three FA Cups, and the UEFA Cup.
Hayes returned to the US in 2008 as manager of the Chicago Red Stars, followed by technical director roles at other American clubs.
Unrivalled Success at Chelsea
Hayes came back to the UK in 2012 and was appointed Chelsea Women manager mid-season. She spent her early years at Chelsea laying the groundwork for one of the most dominant eras 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 collected during her tenure. Overall, Hayes won seven WSL titles at Chelsea, including five consecutive between 2020 and 2024. Her Chelsea trophy cabinet also includes five FA Cups, two League Cups, a WSL Spring Season title, and a Community Shield.
However, the Champions League title eluded her during her time in west London. A runners-up medal in the 2020/21 season, following a 4-0 defeat to Barcelona in the final, was the closest she came to European success. Hayes's achievements were recognised individually with an induction into the WSL Hall of Fame in 2021 and winning The Best FIFA Football Coach award in 2022.
Emma Hayes' Extraordinary Record as a Manager
- Played: 506
- Won: 334
- Drawn: 56
- Lost: 116
- Win percentage: 66%
Landing the Biggest Job of Them All
Hayes's long reign at Chelsea ended in 2024 when she became the manager of the United States women's national team, arguably the most prestigious role in women's football. Despite having just two months to prepare, she led the star-studded US side to a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning all six games, including a 1-0 victory over Brazil in the final. This marked the USWNT's fifth Olympic gold medal and their first since 2012.
Hayes will lead the US at the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. Should the US claim a record-extending fifth World Cup title, Hayes would become only the second English manager, male or female, to win the World Cup.
