Lindsey Horan
Midfielder · Portland Thorns / Olympique Lyonnais · USA
About Lindsey Horan
USWNT captain and one of the most complete midfielders in women's football, Lindsey Horan is a powerful, dynamic box-to-box player who has been the engine of Portland Thorns and the USA for a decade — combining athleticism, technical quality, and leadership.
Lindsey Horan's story
Colorado to Paris
Lindsey Horan was born on 26 May 1994 in Golden, Colorado. She made football headlines at 17 when she turned down a college scholarship to join Paris Saint-Germain in France's D1 Féminine — one of the first American teenagers to take that path. The decision was controversial but reflected her ambition and confidence. Two years in Paris significantly accelerated her development.
Portland's Heartbeat
Horan joined Portland Thorns in 2013 and became the midfield heartbeat of one of the NWSL's finest clubs. She won multiple NWSL championships and was named NWSL MVP in 2018. Her combination of physical power, technical quality, and leadership made her the benchmark for American midfield play.
Lyon & Champions League
In 2022, Horan signed for Olympique Lyonnais — joining the world's best club. Her performances in the Champions League were outstanding and she gained experience at a level above what the NWSL could offer. She returned to the USA with OL Reign and continues to compete at the highest level.
USWNT Captain
Horan captains the USWNT and has been their most important midfielder through the post-2019 World Cup era. She was one of the standout performers at the 2023 Women's World Cup, though the USA were knocked out in the Round of 16. She remains one of the most important players in the American programme.
Did you know?
- Horan turned down a full college scholarship aged 17 to join Paris Saint-Germain — one of the most striking early decisions in USWNT player history, which she has always insisted was the right choice for her development.
- She was named NWSL MVP in 2018, the same year she was the highest-scoring midfielder in the league — a combination that reflected her complete all-round game.
- Horan is in a long-term relationship with professional cyclist Timothy Horan (no relation); the couple are known for their commitment to each other's sporting careers, both having competed at the highest level of their respective sports.
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