U.S. Women’s Soccer Team Captain Claims American Fans ‘Aren’t Smart’ – But ‘It’s Getting Better’

James Gilbert/AP

U.S. women’s national soccer team captain Lindsey Horan offered a brutally honest assessment of American fans’ knowledge of the game.

In a recent interview with The Athletic, Horan discussed the continued growth of soccer in the country. While acknowledging that the sport is gradually becoming more popular, she admitted fans still have a lot to learn.

“American soccer fans, most of them aren’t smart,” Horan said. “They don’t know the game. They don’t understand. [But] it’s getting better and better.”

“I’m gonna piss off some people, but the game is growing in the U.S. People are more and more knowledgeable, but so much of the time people take what the commentators say, right? My mom does it! My mom says, ‘Julie Foudy said you had such a good game!’ And I’m here, just going, ‘I was fucking shit today.'”

According to Horan, it’s a stark contrast to the fans in France, where she plays for Lyon.

“From what I’ve heard, people understand my game a little bit more, a sense of my football and the way I play,” she continued. “It is the French culture. Everyone watches football. People know football.”

The comments will surely be met with criticism. Over the last few years, the U.S. women’s team has faced significant backlash – primarily aimed at Megan Rapinoe – due to players speaking out on a variety of issues in the U.S.