The FIFA Women’s World Cup is off to a flying start. European champions England look like a team on a mission, as they easily won their first two games. The English team defeated Haiti in the opener and rival Denmark last night with the same scoreline that read 1-0 at full time.
Lauren James, who is playing in her first-ever soccer World Cup, scored a stunner from 22 yards that the Denmark goalkeeper had no chance of stopping. With two consecutive wins under their belt, England has all but booked a spot in the knockout stages.
In a funny twist to the story, Lauren James was mistaken for tennis sensation Naomi Osaka. The English forward bears a remarkable resemblance to Osaka and fans are legitimately confused.
Why does she look like Naomi Osaka so much https://t.co/jQl9RIvexf
— Zina (@mz_zina) July 29, 2023
Here are a few more hilarious reactions from bewildered fans.
Naomi Osaka https://t.co/Sg2pjsdm6C
— Serendipity🇧🇼️🇿🇼 (@SerendipityBWZW) July 29, 2023
How is this not Naomi Osaka https://t.co/R7NjEqZ4TW
— melody (@melodyadjei) July 29, 2023
A user commented, “Never knew Osaka has switched sports.” While another fan also commented along the same line, “I don’t care what you say, that’s Naomi Osaka.”
As hilarious as it is to see this confusion among fans, Naomi Osaka did not start for the Lionesses. Neither did she score that sensational goal against Denmark. Osaka has just given birth to a baby girl and is preparing for her return to tennis.
Naomi Osaka’s connection with soccer
Osaka made waves on the tennis circuit with her skills, winning Grand Slams in quick succession. Osaka’s love for sports is not just limited to tennis, though. She owns a soccer team of her own.
In 2021, Osaka became one of the proud owners of the National Women’s Soccer League team, the North Carolina Courage. The four-time Grand Slam champion shared a photo wearing the team’s jersey.
Naomi said the support she had from women in her career inspired her. “Currently reflecting on how the women who have invested in me growing up made me who I am today, I actually don’t know where I would be without them,” she wrote.
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“I feel that throughout my career I’ve always received so much love from my fellow female athletes so that’s why I am proud to share that I am now an owner of @thenccourage I will keep continuing to pay the love I have received forward and I’m excited to continue the legacy of women empowerment,” she shared.
Naomi Osaka has been an inspirational figure to young girls and older women alike. Not only is she a dedicated athlete, but Osaka always strives to highlight injustices in the world. She does the most she can with the influence she has, on and off the tennis court.