Much-maligned Brandi Chastain plaque to be redone
Sculptors just can’t seem to win when it comes to capturing the likeness of soccer stars.
Reminiscent of the infamous statue of soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo that was unveiled in 2017, the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in San Francisco is taking some flak for a plaque of U.S. soccer star Brandi Chastain.
The plaque, which was unveiled on Monday night, bears the supposed likeness of the retired Team USA star, but fans on social media have compared the image to everybody from actors Gary Busey and Mickey Rooney to President Jimmy Carter and former Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway.
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Chastain held off on criticizing the plaque, saying “It’s not the most flattering. But it’s nice,” according to The Mercury News of San Jose.
A representative for the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame initially told The Mercury News that the plaques are intended to include images that are “representations” and not photographic likenesses.
While the Hall of Fame originally said there was no plans to redo the plaque, it reconsidered after its social media flaming and announced Tuesday it will do just that.
Chastain, who won two World Cups while playing for the U.S. women’s national soccer team from 1988 to 2004, is perhaps most remembered for her celebration after hitting the game-winning penalty kick in the 1999 World Cup in which she pulled off her jersey and revealed her sports bra.
The 49-year-old San Jose native also won two Olympic gold medals during her career.
