Emma Hayes marked her late father Sid’s 85th birthday during ITV’s World Cup coverage of Belgium vs Iran, revealing a poignant message on her shirt reading “She will change the world.”
Emma Hayes took a brief moment away from the tactical rhythms of World Cup coverage on Sunday, turning the first-half hydration break in California into something far more personal.
The broadcaster’s on-the-spot punditry for ITV continued during Belgium’s clash with Iran, but the 49-year-old US coach couldn’t let Father’s Day pass without acknowledging the man who shaped her football journey.
As the game paused, Hayes addressed viewers directly: “One last thing, Happy Father’s Day to everyone at home. I know it’s a great day. but it’s also my father’s heavenly birthday today and I want to say one thing for you. dad. up in heaven.” She then added: “Thank you for giving me so much confidence that I’ve got the opportunity to do this. I will leave you with this, what a beautiful view.”.
On what would have been her dad Sid’s 85th birthday. Hayes stood by a message that read “She will change the world” on the back of her shirt. Sid. who ran the family business in Covent Garden for decades. died aged 82 in September 2023 after raising Hayes and her two sisters in Camden. London. and encouraging her to play football as a child.
Sid had watched her lift the FA Cup trophy at Wembley with Chelsea in 2015, and he even predicted what was ahead. “I always saw her winning things,” he said after watching on proudly.
Hayes later announced Sid’s death three years ago with a heartfelt post on X. In it. she wrote that “life will never be the same without you. ” thanking him for “everything you taught me. ” for the life he gave the family. and for the memories they created. “You will forever be my champion and while there is a huge hole in my heart. I will carry the learnings and love and will continue to make you proud. Love you papa. RIP.”.
The Father’s Day tribute landed amid wider attention on Hayes’ role during the tournament. She has been hailed as ITV’s top pundit since joining ahead of the World Cup, with fans also pointing to how her analysis has been received from the New York-based studio.
Yet the coverage hasn’t been without noise. Last week. after England beat Croatia 4-2. Hayes was filmed from a set that some viewers mocked online. describing it as a kitchen-style setup made of kitchen units and a chalkboard. Criticism followed. including remarks that ITV’s presentation looked inappropriate for Hayes—one supporter even comparing it to what would never happen if Gary Neville were put in a similar position.
ITV later altered the setup, upgrading Hayes’ board with magnets. The revised look was first shown during Brazil’s 3-0 thrashing of Haiti. Cameras also shifted during Hayes’ presentation for Belgium vs Iran, heavily zooming in so the “kitchen-style” elements were less visible.
For all the debate around studio visuals, Hayes’ message cut through immediately—tying the spectacle of World Cup football to a simple, raw acknowledgment of the person she lost, on the birthday that would have mattered most to them both.
Emma Hayes ITV World Cup coverage Belgium vs Iran Father’s Day Sid Hayes US women’s coach Sid birthday tribute Chelsea FA Cup 2015