Hope Solo, the former goalkeeper for the U.S. women’s national soccer team, has had a tumultuous time since retiring in 2016. In the past decade, she has faced legal troubles alongside her now-husband, Jerramy Stevens, including allegations of domestic violence and driving under the influence. Solo’s fall from grace was highlighted in Netflix’s ‘Untold: Hope Solo vs. U.S. Soccer,’ which delves into the mix of glory and scandal that accompanied her rise to fame beyond the world of soccer. Despite her achievements, including two Olympic gold medals and a FIFA World Cup title, Solo’s off-field behavior has overshadowed her accomplishments and led to her forced retirement.
Solo’s journey in soccer began in 2000 and continued until 2016 when she earned the title of the first goalie, male or female, to reach 100 shutouts in international competition. However, her career came to a sudden end following the 2016 Rio Olympics, where the U.S. team, led by Solo, finished in fifth place after a loss to Sweden. Her unsportsmanlike comments after the game led to her contract being terminated by U.S. Soccer due to conduct that goes against the organization’s principles. Despite her successful career on the field, off-field controversies have marred Solo’s legacy in the world of soccer.
Solo’s personal life has also been tumultuous, particularly due to her relationship with Jerramy Stevens, a former NFL player. The couple, who got married in 2012 after Stevens was arrested for assaulting Solo, continued to face legal troubles together. Solo herself was arrested for a domestic violence incident in 2014, although the case was later dismissed. In 2022, Solo was arrested for driving under the influence with her children in the car, leading to her guilty plea and entry into an alcohol treatment program. Despite these challenges, Solo remains married to Stevens and is focused on rebuilding her life off the field.
Since her retirement, Solo has been involved in legal battles, including a lawsuit filed against the U.S. Soccer Federation for allegedly violating the federal Equal Pay Act. While her case has yet to go to trial, Solo has continued to be a vocal advocate for women’s sports, using her platform to address gender disparities in athletics. In 2022, a $24 million settlement was reached between 28 members of the USWNT and the Federation, a decision that Solo deemed “unfair.” Despite the setbacks, Solo was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2023 and currently resides in North Carolina with her husband and twins.
Solo’s career in soccer, marked by achievements on the field and controversies off the field, has been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. Her story, as highlighted in Netflix’s documentary series, sheds light on the complexities of fame and the challenges faced by athletes beyond their sporting careers. Despite the controversies surrounding her, Solo continues to advocate for gender equality in sports and remains a prominent figure in the world of soccer.
