Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Korbin Albert has apologised for her recent controversial activity on social media which she now recognises was “insensitive and hurtful”. The 20-year-old, who plays for the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT), found herself under scrutiny after allegedly reposting anti-LGBT+ content, including a Christian sermon criticising “feeling transgender”, on TikTok.
This drew attention from ex-soccer star Megan Rapinoe, who indirectly called her out during an Instagram post. The incident emerged on the same day that Albert scored during PSG’s Champions League quarter-final match against Hacken, helping secure a 3-0 victory for her club.
The controversy surrounding Albert’s off-pitch actions overshadowed her achievement, sparking outrage within the soccer community. Among those expressing their disappointment was two-time World Cup winner Rapinoe, who is known for her vocal advocacy of LGBT+ rights. Rapinoe posted what appeared to be a veiled response, with other USNWT players – including Becky Sauerbrunn, Lynn Williams, Kristie Mewis, as well as retired ace Sam Mewis – showing support by sharing Rapinoe’s post.
Becky Sauerbrunn, the USA team captain, backed Rapinoe’s words and captioned the shared post with “well said”. Following the backlash, Albert publicly offered a sincere apology on Instagram, saying: “I want to sincerely apologise for my actions on social media.”
“Liking and sharing posts that are offensive, insensitive and hurtful was immature and disrespectful which was never my intent,” she said before adding: “I’m really disappointed in myself.”
Then issuing a direct response to all offended by her actions, she said: “(I) 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.”
The seemingly repentant Albert then made a promise to those left upset, as she vowed: “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 the world stage and I promise to do better.”
The full call out from Rapinoe in relation to her social media activity came in the form of a comprehensive dressing down which did not name anybody directly. In a passionate defence of the LGBT+ cause, the retired winger said: “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? Because if you aren’t, all you believe in is hate,” she posited. “And Kids are literally killing themselves because of this hate. Wake TF up!”
Rapinoe has always been a strong supporter of LGBT+ rights and works closely with the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and Athlete Ally groups. In 2022, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Joe Biden for her work both on and off the pitch.
