Hope Solo, former goalkeeper for Team USA women’s soccer, is not shy about speaking out against the 1999 World Cup team, whom she accuses of leaving a toxic environment and failing to set up the next generation of players for financial success. Solo, who joined the national team in 2000, criticized the 1999 team for their unhealthy relationships, both romantic and professional, which she described as an “incestual web.” She believes that the 1999 team should be proud of their winning tradition, but not much else.
According to Solo, the 1999 team did not provide adequate support to the next generation of players when it comes to health insurance, retirement plans, or other financial benefits. As a result, when the new stars of U.S. women’s soccer, including Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, and Carli Lloyd, won an equal pay lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation in 2022, Solo was critical of the 1999ers who she felt took credit for the victory without actually contributing to the fight for equal pay. She believes that the 1999 team should not be held up as the standard for women’s soccer accomplishments.
Solo remains vocal about the legacy of the 1999 team, even as more than 25 years have passed since their World Cup victory. She referenced an independent investigation into allegations of abusive behavior and sexual misconduct in women’s professional soccer as evidence of the toxic environment left behind by her predecessors. Despite facing criticism for her outspoken opinions, Solo refuses to bow down to what she perceives as outdated beliefs about the role of the 1999 team in U.S. soccer history. Members of the 1999 team, including Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy, declined to participate in the documentary.
The Netflix documentary, UNTOLD: Hope Solo vs. U.S. Soccer, showcases Solo’s candid remarks about the 1999 World Cup team and their impact on the sport. Solo’s criticisms of the toxic environment and lack of financial support for future players have sparked a conversation about the responsibilities of former athletes in shaping the future of their sport. The documentary sheds light on Solo’s perspective and the ongoing debate about the legacy of the 1999 team in women’s soccer history. Viewers can stream the documentary on Netflix to hear Solo’s side of the story and form their own opinions on the issue.
