Lindsey Heaps: 'The Champions League is the baby you always want to win'

For Lindsey Heaps, the Champions League remains an elusive goal – a benchmark that has long fascinated the 31-year-old American captain of OL Lyonnes. For this seasoned leader, the title is more than just a trophy; it's a symbol of perfection in football. "The Champions League is the baby you always want to win," she says, echoing the sentiments of many greats who have attempted and failed to claim the crown.

Heaps' own journey to success has been nothing short of remarkable. From bypassing college to turn professional at 19, a move unheard of for American players at the time, to winning the World Cup on French soil and claiming Olympic gold – Heaps has established herself as one of the most accomplished players in her generation.

Yet, despite her numerous accolades, Heaps remains driven by a hunger for excellence. Her leadership style is forged from watching and learning from others; she seeks out coaches who challenge her intellect and push her to be better. Her success on the pitch is a testament to this dedication – a blend of physicality and tactical acumen that has earned her a reputation as one of the world's top midfielders.

However, Heaps' reflection also reveals a sense of disillusionment with the state of women's football in France. The league, she argues, lacks depth and competitiveness, forcing Lyonnes to dig deep to find fire from within. This is a far cry from her experiences in the NWSL, where parity and competition are the norm.

As Heaps prepares to leave OL Lyonnes at the end of the season, she acknowledges that this chapter has been a defining period in her career. Her time in France has been a second home, one that has provided her with a sense of belonging and purpose. However, personal reasons – including her decision to return to the NWSL with the new Denver franchise – have led her to bid farewell.

For Heaps, the ultimate goal remains singular: winning the Champions League. With four months left in her current role, she is rededicated to her craft, determined to give everything she can to achieve this long-held ambition. As she embarks on a new chapter, Heaps' words echo through the corridors of football history – a testament to her enduring passion and commitment to excellence.

️ She's been on an amazing journey but Champions League is still eluding her ... it's not just about winning the trophy tho, it's about perfection . I mean we all know she's talented as heck, but what's frustrating is that women's football in France feels kinda... lacking? It's like they're struggling to find depth and competitiveness. Anyways, Lindsey's moving on to new adventures with the NWSL Denver franchise, but I'm sure she'll keep pushing for that elusive Champions League win

I'm so salty about Lindsey Heaps leaving OL Lyonnes . I mean, have you seen that team play? They're like a well-oiled machine ! And Heaps is right at the heart of it all - she's a true leader on and off the pitch . But yeah, I can understand why she'd want to come back to the NWSL - we've got so much more parity and competitiveness going on over here . Still, it's sad to see her go...I guess I'll just have to keep watching from afar . Anyway, gotta give props to Heaps for being so driven and dedicated to excellence - that's what sets her apart as one of the best midfielders out there !

I mean, have you seen Lindsey Heaps play? She's like, seriously the complete package - physical, tactical, emotional intelligence... The way she carries herself on the pitch is so inspiring. But what I find really interesting about this story is her frustration with women's football in France. It's like, yeah, it's great that we're getting more recognition and attention, but we need to actually have some decent leagues and competitions. I mean, the NWSL is a far cry from the Champions League - that's where we need to be striving for! And I love how she's still so driven after all these years, it's like she's not satisfied with just being an amazing player, she wants to change the game. Can you imagine if more players were thinking like that? We'd be unstoppable!

omg I'm so hyped for Lindsey Heaps! She's literally the ultimate example of dedication & hard work in football. I mean, from skipping college to go pro at 19 to winning the World Cup on French soil? That's goals achieved! And now she's still chasing that elusive Champions League title - I'm rooting for her all the way!

aww man I feel bad for Lindsey Heaps she's had such an amazing career so far but it sounds like winning the Champions League is still something that's really eluding her it's crazy how much she's achieved already, I mean Olympic gold and World Cup wins are not easy to come by

I can imagine how frustrating it must be for her to feel like the women's league in France just isn't on the same level as other leagues especially when she's used to playing in a more competitive environment in the NWSL I'm glad she's taking this time to focus on herself and figure out what's next for her career

I love how passionate she is about winning the Champions League though it says so much about her dedication and work ethic I have no doubt she'll give everything she can to try and make it happen

I'm not sure why Lindsey Heaps is making such a big deal about winning the Champions League . I mean, it's an amazing achievement and all that, but for me, it's just one more trophy on a long list of already impressive awards . Don't get me wrong, she's got some serious skills on the pitch and has worked hard to get where she is, but there are other things to consider too... like the state of women's football in France, which sounds pretty lacking to me . I think it's interesting that she's saying the league lacks depth and competitiveness - isn't that just a fancy way of saying it's boring? Anyway, I wish her all the best on her new journey with the Denver franchise

Wow she's so dedicated to winning the Champions League it's inspiring! Interesting how her experiences in France have made her realize that women's football needs more depth and competitiveness.

I think it's kinda weird that people always focus on what Lindsey Heaps is leaving behind (her time at OL Lyonnes) instead of what she's gaining (a new opportunity in the NWSL). I mean, isn't it great that she gets to start a new chapter and chase her dreams? It's like we're all so caught up in watching her fail at the Champions League that we forget about her actual accomplishments.

I'm so done with the women's football scene in France right now . I mean, Lindsey Heaps is basically a superhero out there on that pitch, but she's got to deal with a league that's all like "meh" . The NWSL on the other hand is like a well-oiled machine - everyone's equal and they actually care about each other's success. It's so refreshing to see parity and competition, you know? And then you've got Lindsey Heaps leaving OL Lyonnes because of it... it just makes me sad . I mean, what's the point of having all that talent if we're not pushing ourselves to be better? I want to see more fire in the women's league, more passion and drive . And can we please get Lindsey Heaps on that Champions League throne already?!

I'm so curious about Lindsey Heaps' experiences in France ... as a fan, I love how passionate she is about winning the Champions League ! But what's crazy is that she's still chasing it after all these years ... like, I get it, it's a big deal and all, but doesn't she think she's already won so many other titles?

I feel so bad for Lindsey . She's been chasing that Champions League title for ages and I think it's time we start supporting our women's teams more . Lyonnes might not have the same level of competition as the NWSL, but they've still got talent like Heaps who deserve to shine . It's time to invest in our female players and give them the resources they need to compete with the best. We can't keep relying on Heaps to carry her team to success . Let's give women's football some love!

I'm still low-key surprised they ain't gotten that Champions League title yet with Lindsey Heaps at the helm, you know? She's like the ultimate goal getter, and I gotta give it to her for trying so hard . But, I do feel her on the state of women's football in France, though – it's like they're still figuring it out, y'know? The NWSL is where it's at when it comes to competitiveness, and I wish more leagues could learn from that .

So, Lindsey Heaps is leaving OL Lyonnes and heading back to the States – I'm gonna miss her on the pitch . But, I'm hyped for what's next for her and that new Denver franchise . She's still got that fire in her belly to win that Champions League title, and I gotta respect that .