Allie Long's journey to becoming a Women's World Cup champion was one of immense perseverance and self-discovery. After an impressive college career, the USA midfielder thought she had made her international breakthrough in 2010 when called into Pia Sundhage's squad, but a training injury proved a significant setback. Overlooked by successor Tom Sermanni, Long finally made her senior USA debut in May 2014, leaving little time to work her way into the 2015 World Cup roster. She cried all the way home after being told she did not make the cut.
Shaking off the disappointment, Long vowed to work harder than ever. After a breakout NWSL season with Portland Thorns, she finally established herself in the national team program in 2016, making the Olympic squad for the Rio Games. Her persistence paid off when she made her World Cup debut at age 31 at France 2019, helping the USA win the trophy.
Now, after an extended break following the birth of her two children, Long is back in professional football at age 38 with USL Super League club Fort Lauderdale United. She discussed the role futsal played in her development and shared her thoughts on Emma Hayes' squad heading into Brazil 2027. Long emphasized that her return was driven by a love for the game that never faded.
