Korbin Albert controversy, explained: Anti-LGBTQ comments resurfaced ahead of 2024 Olympics

The U.S. women's national team has looked as strong as ever during the 2024 Olympic women's soccer tournament, shutting out Zambia, 3-0, then obliterating European powerhouse Germany, 4-1 in the side's opening two games.

In the final match of the group stage, USWNT took on Australia. With Emma Hayes' side possessing a 1-0 lead deep in the second half, the manager opted to switch things around, giving chances to players who have received precious few minutes this tourney.

Up stepped young midfielder Korbin Albert, who entered the game in the 65th minute to replace Rose Lavelle. The Paris Saint-Germain star proceeded to leave her mark, firing home an impressive strike above Mackenzie Arnold's outstretched arm to double USWNT's lead.

The United States doubles its lead over Australia on Korbin Albert’s first international goal! #ParisOlympics

📺 E! and Peacock pic.twitter.com/zTE7VulYYy

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 31, 2024

It was a moment years in the making for Albert, one of U.S. Soccer's brightest prospects. Yet her rising profile with the USWNT has not come without controversy.

Albert made headlines in the lead-up to the Olympics for anti-LGBTQ+ actions on social media. Her own teammates have responded to the Albert's posts, and fans of the team have questioned her place on the squad. Nevertheless, Albert made it to Paris.

Here's what you need to know about Albert's digital activity and what other members of the USWNT have said.

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Korbin Albert controversy, explained

Albert's activity on social media gained attention in March, when she was found to have reposted anti-LGBTQ content on TikTok. One of the reposts included a sermon given in a Christian worship space that touched on being gay and "feeling transgender," saying both were wrong.

Additionally, fans discovered, via a screenshot, one of Korbin's likes on Instagram: a meme reading, "God taking time off performing miracles to make sure Megan Rapinoe sprains her ankle in her final ever game."

After facing public criticism from Rapinoe, Albert, who wore No. 15 at the time, the number previously worn by the retired forward, issued an apology on her Instagram for liking and sharing the posts.

"I want to sincerely apologize for my actions on social media," Albert wrote. "Liking and sharing posts that are offensive, insensitive and hurtful was immature and disrespectful which was never my intent. I'm really disappointed in myself and am deeply sorry for the hurt that I have caused to my teammates, other players, fans, friends and anyone who was offended.

"I truly believe that everyone should feel safe and respected everywhere and on all playing fields. I know my actions have not lived up to that and for that I sincerely apologize. It's an honor and a privilege to get to play this sport on this world stage and I promise to do better."

Despite her apology, Albert hadn't received the friendliest of receptions upon entering USWNT games prior to the Olympics. She was booed entering the team's friendly against South Korea on June 1, coincidentally the first day of Pride month, while wearing a jersey with rainbow-themed numbers.

What USWNT players have said about Korbin Albert

Megan Rapinoe

In response to Albert's actions on social media, Rapinoe took to her Instagram story.

"For people who want to hide behind 'my beliefs,' I would just ask one question, are you making any type of space safer, more inclusive, more whole, any semblance of better, bringing the best out of anyone," Rapinoe wrote. "Because if you aren't, all you believe in is hate. And kids are literally killing themselves because of this hate. Wake TF up! Yours truly, #15.

"For all my trans homies enduring this horrific treatment day in and day out, I see you and hear you and I am WITH YOU."

When The Athletic reached out to Rapinoe, she said the post was directed at Albert but that she was most concerned with the queer lives at stake from anti-trans commentary and targeted legislation.

Alex Morgan and Lindsey Horan

Less than a week after Albert's reposts and likes surfaced, co-captains Alex Morgan and Lindsey Horan led off their press conference before the USWNT's SheBelieves Cup semifinal against Japan by addressing the situation.

"We've worked extremely hard to uphold the integrity of this national team through all of the generations, and we are extremely, extremely sad that this standard was not upheld," Horan said.

"We stand by maintaining a safe and respectful space, especially as allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community," Morgan added. "This platform has given us an opportunity to highlight causes that matter to us, something that we never take for granted."

Morgan noted that the issue had been handled internally as well.

Tierna Davidson

On the "Good Game with Sarah Spain" podcast on July 23, Tierna Davidson spoke about how Albert's actions have affected the team dynamic, including her perspective as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

“I think it’s a difficult situation that has obviously affected me personally given what she was speaking on,” Davidson said. “I think that it is something that you have to learn as a young player, especially with the platform that you’re given, is your beliefs or how you choose to express certain things is very public and people do look and listen.

“We have to learn from what we do in our lives and how people react to it and understand the hurt that we can cause. I think that it’s difficult because as a team, we have always wanted to be very welcoming to all of our fans, to all players that walk through the locker room.”

Davidson did acknowledge that Albert is learning about how her views and opinions can affect others, but went on to say: “Whether or not it’s something you grew up with, or it was instilled upon you from a young age, and you might not know better, it is something that can hurt other people.”

MORE: Who will win women's soccer gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics?

Korbin Albert age

Born on Oct. 13, 2003, Albert is 20 years old, making her the second youngest athlete on the USWNT Olympic roster. Jaedyn Shaw is the youngest at 19.

What team does Korbin Albert play for?

Albert played two years for the Notre Dame women's soccer team before forgoing her remaining two years of NCAA eligibility and turning professional on Jan. 31, 2023. She signed for French club Paris Saint-Germain on an initial two-and-a-half year contract.

MORE: How to watch USWNT matches at the 2024 Summer Olympics

2024 USWNT Olympic schedule

Thursday, July 25

Sunday, July 28

Wednesday, July 31

Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Bronze medal match

Gold medal match