When the final whistle blew, Hayes was overcome with emotion as she embraced her staff on the touchline before jumping up and down in celebration with her players.
Throughout the tournament, Hayes has often recalled watching the 2012 Olympic women’s football final with her late father, Sid, who told her one day she would be the one leading the US to Olympic glory.
“It’s been a rough year,” Hayes said. “This time last year my dad was dying. I didn’t think I had the courage to come and do this.
“This team have embraced me and welcomed me into their family and allowed my to lead them.”
Hayes was spotted on camera kissing her necklace and pointing to the sky at full-time in tribute to her father, who died last September.
“It’s an American eagle and it’s my father’s,” she said. “I think it’s so fitting my dad gave me his American eagle necklace. That was for my dad.
“I felt him with me the whole performance. I just had a moment to myself to remind myself of what I’ve been through in my life, my career, and to show gratitude to my parents – the people that matter the most.”