Emma Hayes, the highly respected football manager and pundit, delivered a deeply personal tribute to her late father, Sid Hayes, during her appearance on ITV's World Cup programming on Sunday evening. The emotional moment saw Hayes reveal a specially designed message on her jacket, which read 'she will change the world', coinciding with Father's Day and what she referred to as her father's 'heavenly birthday'.
Towards the close of Sunday's World Cup coverage, Hayes, 49, addressed viewers directly. She stated, "One last thing, Happy Father's Day to everyone at home. I know it's a great day and it’s also my father's heavenly birthday today and I want to say one thing to you dad up in heaven. Thank you for giving me so much confidence to have the opportunity to do this and so I leave you with this beautiful view." She then turned to display the message on her jacket, a powerful affirmation of her impact and her father's enduring legacy.
Sid Hayes, who passed away from lung cancer in 2023, was a pivotal figure in women's football and a constant source of encouragement for his daughter. He was known for his significant contributions to the Arsenal women’s setup and various youth teams, and was remembered as a pioneer in the sport. Emma Hayes had previously spoken of her father's unwavering belief in her, quoting him as saying, "you are going to change the face of the women’s game. But make sure you go hard. Whip it up."
This poignant moment followed a period of controversy for Hayes and ITV. Last week, the broadcaster faced widespread criticism for its presentation of Hayes's tactical analysis, which included a chalkboard setup in front of a backdrop many viewers likened to a kitchen. This incident led to a surge of sexist abuse directed at Hayes on social media. ITV subsequently adjusted the set design in later broadcasts, seemingly in response to the public outcry.
Hayes, best known for her remarkable success managing Chelsea, where she secured multiple league titles, is a prominent voice on ITV's World Cup team. Her inclusion alongside established pundits such as Gary Neville, Roy Keane, and Ian Wright highlights her standing in the sport, and her recent tribute underscores the personal journey behind her professional achievements.
Her father's influence, particularly his encouragement to "teach the world" and "call-out the crap behaviour," resonates strongly with Hayes's public persona and her commitment to advancing women's football. The jacket message serves as a visible testament to his impact on her career and her continued dedication to challenging norms within the sport.
Source: The Independent