Tobin Heath and Christen Press Reveal Eight-Year Relationship, Reflect on Journey

A Long-Awaited Revelation

In a highly anticipated disclosure that has intrigued fans and media alike, U.S. soccer stars Tobin Heath and Christen Press have officially confirmed their eight-year relationship. This revelation came during a heartfelt interview on the “Watch with Alex Cooper” Olympics show on Peacock, where the couple candidly discussed their enduring romance, offering a rare glimpse into their personal lives and the evolution of their relationship over the years.

Early Days and Magnetic Connection

In the episode, Press, 35, shared poignant reflections on the early stages of their relationship, describing a profound and immediate connection. “Tobin and I were not really friends. We weren’t really running in the same circles. And then as soon as I actually got to know her, there was just, like, a magnetism,” Press recounted. “And I was like, that’s what I want. And I never looked back. I still feel the exact same way.” Press's words illuminate the deep and enduring bond they established from the outset, which has remained steadfast and resilient through the years.

Press further elaborated on how their relationship has evolved over time, addressing how people often underestimated the longevity of their romance. “The other day, someone just said to us, ‘Oh, you guys, these guys just met, you look like you’re in love,’” Press recalled. “And I’m like, ‘No, it’s been eight years.’” This comment underscores the depth and authenticity of their commitment, reflecting the genuine nature of their connection.

Heath’s Gratitude and Reflections

Heath, 36, expressed her heartfelt gratitude and joy regarding their relationship. “Sometimes we look at each other, we’re just like, is this actually like real? Are we that lucky?” she said. Heath’s reflection conveys a profound sense of wonder and appreciation for their journey together, highlighting their mutual sense of fortune in finding each other.

Public and Private Dynamics

Throughout their careers, both Heath and Press have been prominent figures in the U.S. women’s national soccer team. Despite the public nature of their careers, they chose to keep their relationship private for several years, although those close to them were well aware of their connection. Press clarified, “Our teammates knew… We were never, like, in the closet, like hiding it. Our people always knew what was going on with us.” This acknowledgment reflects their desire to maintain a degree of privacy while navigating the complexities of their high-profile careers.

Heath elaborated on their decision to keep their relationship relatively low-profile, particularly during their time as teammates. “Especially while we were playing on the same team, we wanted to keep a ‘protective bubble’ around our romance,” she explained. This approach aimed to safeguard their personal lives while maintaining focus on their professional responsibilities. The shift in their ability to publicly share their relationship occurred after they were no longer teammates on the U.S. national team.

First Impressions and Career Milestones

The exact timing of Heath and Press’s first meeting remains somewhat ambiguous, but it is believed to have been around the period when Press joined the U.S. national team. Press was named as an alternate forward for Team USA at the 2012 London Olympics, while Heath was a midfielder. Reflecting on her initial impressions of Press, Heath noted, “She’s really good at scoring goals. I wasn’t that good at scoring goals. I thought I could learn a little something,” highlighting her admiration for Press’s skill and contribution.

In a recent episode of their podcast, “The RE-CAP Show with Tobin Heath and Christen Press,” Heath further described her early perceptions of Press. “I thought you were a little bit of a mystery,” Heath said. “I feel like you were a little detached from the group, and I think I was like a little curious to who you were.” Heath's curiosity and intrigue about Press’s understated presence on the team reveal the initial spark that drew them together.

Shared Experiences and Collaborative Ventures

Heath and Press’s relationship blossomed as they played together on the U.S. national team, with their shared experiences on the field being well-documented. They were frequently seen celebrating victories together, including during a friendly match in the Netherlands in 2013. Both players played crucial roles in the national team’s success, including their triumph at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

In 2019, Heath and Press, along with fellow soccer stars Megan Rapinoe and Meghan Klingenberg, co-founded the lifestyle brand RE-INC. This brand focuses on providing “eco-conscious fashion” and “creative goods” designed to be inclusive of “all gender identities and body types.” The establishment of this entrepreneurial venture reflects their commitment to social and environmental causes and highlights their collaborative spirit.

Additionally, the couple launched their podcast, “The RE-CAP Show,” which explores global soccer and women’s sports, further showcasing their professional partnership. “We are teammates, roommates, co-CEOs,” Press stated during their interview with Cooper. “We co-host our show. We pretty much co-everything, that’s kind of our jam.” Press’s light-hearted comment underscores their strong personal and professional bond.

Professional Career Highlights

Heath and Press signed one-year contracts with Manchester United Women’s team in 2020. Heath, however, had to leave the club earlier than expected due to an ankle injury. Press completed the season, making 17 appearances and scoring four goals. She expressed gratitude for the experience on Instagram, reflecting positively on her time with the team and the valuable lessons learned.

Social Media and Public Speculation

Over the years, Heath and Press have shared various social media posts that have fueled speculation about their relationship. In 2021, Press posted a selfie with Heath during a winter excursion. Heath’s posts in 2023 and 2024 included affectionate captions celebrating their bond, with notable images of the couple embracing and enjoying special moments, such as a field of yellow flowers and birthday celebrations. Their public displays of affection, including holding hands at events like the 2023 ESPY Awards and the Grassroot Soccer World AIDS Day Gala, have further fueled public interest and speculation.

Conclusion

The revelation of Tobin Heath and Christen Press’s eight-year relationship provides an intimate glimpse into the personal lives of two prominent athletes who have achieved significant success both on and off the field. Their story reflects a deep and enduring connection, enriched by shared experiences and mutual support. As they continue to inspire with their professional accomplishments and personal journey, Heath and Press exemplify the profound impact of love, partnership, and collaboration in the world of sports.