In an incredible twist, US midfielder Julie Ertz is making an impressive comeback to the Women’s World Cup. Despite facing obstacles that questioned her future in the sport, Ertz’s strong will and determination have led her to a victorious return to the biggest soccer event. Her inspiring journey has captured the hearts of millions worldwide.
Julie Ertz Journey of Challenges and Triumphs
Julie Ertz, a two-time U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, last represented her country during the 2021 Olympic Games, where the team clinched a well-deserved bronze medal. However, just months before the tournament, Ertz faced a pivotal moment when coach Vlatko Andonovski invited her to a spring training camp, hinting at a potential return to international competition. After giving birth to her son in August 2022, Ertz paused the sport, leading to speculations about her retirement.
Reflecting on her time away, Ertz acknowledged the challenges she encountered while starting a family. She openly discussed the logistical, sacrificial, and physical aspects accompanying pregnancy, shedding light on their well-known nature and the determination required to overcome them.
Julie Ertz Road to Recovery
Ertz’s journey back to the field began with a substitute appearance in an April friendly against Ireland. Unfortunately, the match was overshadowed by an injury to Mallory Swanson, sidelining the team’s leading goal scorer for the upcoming World Cup. Nonetheless, Ertz’s return came with certain conditions. To regain her top form, she was advised to join a club, and she subsequently inked a deal with the highly esteemed National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) Angel City FC.
Having spent an extended period in the fiercely competitive soccer environment, Ertz fully understands the lofty standards required to excel at the highest level. While she had hoped to regain her fitness and competitiveness a mere two weeks after giving birth, she understood the reality of the physical recovery process and the patience it demanded.
Unbreakable Determination of Ertz
Ertz’s experience and leadership will be invaluable to the U.S. squad, which consists of 14 World Cup newcomers striving for an unprecedented third consecutive title. However, the 31-year-old midfielder expressed uncertainty about the reception from fans who witnessed her lifting the trophy in 2015 and 2019. With the pervasive influence of social media, Ertz admitted to anticipating potential backlash, but she remains relentless in meeting her high expectations and making the fans proud.
Despite her absence from competitive play, Ertz’s marketability has remained strong, exemplified by her high-profile partnership with snack giants Frito-Lay for an inspiring World Cup campaign. Standing alongside revered U.S. soccer legends such as Mia Hamm and Brandi Chastain, Ertz continues to solidify her status as a prominent figure in women’s soccer, both on and off the field.
