Julie Ertz Says It Wasn’t “Easy” Returning to Soccer After Giving Birth to Her Son

1 year ago

After a two-year hiatus, soccer star Julie Ertz is officially back on the field and better than ever. According to ESPN, Julie stepped back from the National Women’s Soccer League due to her pregnancy and subsequent birth of her first child. She and her husband, NFL tight end Zach Ertz, welcomed their son, Madden Matthew, in August 2022. Since then, fans wondered when she would return to the league – if at all. On April 17, Julie kicked off her long-awaited comeback by signing with Angel FC. “Taking a step away and having a new perspective has given me a new drive,” she told USWNT.

So far, Julie has been celebrating her return by documenting her soccer competitions on Instagram. She’s also been giving fans a glimpse at how she’s balancing her career while being a new mother. No surprise, she’s doing amazing. On June 22, Julie announced she’ll be representing the United States at the World Cup. If you’re curious to know more about her life away from the field, scroll through the slideshow to read all about Julie’s son, Madden Matthew.

Getty/ Stephen McCarthy

Julie Ertz's Son, Madden Matthew Ertz

According to People, Julie and Zach Ertz got engaged in February 2016 and then tied the knot in March 2017. After four years of marriage, the couple announced in April 2022 that they were expecting their first child together. “Adding to our starting lineup . . . Baby Ertz!” Julie wrote on Instagram alongside a black-and-white photo of her husband kissing her baby bump.

After having her baby shower that June, Julie revealed that she was having a boy by sharing photos from the celebration that showed her wearing a blue dress while surrounded by blue balloons. “So grateful for all the love this weekend! Thank you to all my friends and family that made it so special! ☁️☁️ #babyshower,” she captioned the pictures.

On Aug. 11, 2022, she gave birth to her and Zach’s first child, Madden Matthew. Julie announced her son’s arrival on Instagram with a picture of the newborn sleeping. “One week already with our sweet boy! Madden Matthew Ertz you are so loved. Beyond grateful to be your mommy,” she wrote. “@zachertz and I can’t even put into words how blessed we are to be your parents.”

On April 8, the trio made their first public appearance together in Austin, TX, to celebrate Julie earning her 100th cap (international appearance). During a press conference that April, Julie said that her time away from soccer has only made her more motivated to succeed. “I don’t want to come back and be the player I was, because I want to get better,” she said, per Fox Sports. “I know that sounds weird being out [for so long], but time is crazy, especially when you have a new baby. I don’t feel like I’ve been gone as long as I have, but I feel good, and I love the sport differently than [I used to].”

While she was eager to get back on the field, Julie also admitted that she hesitated to make the final decision of returning to work due to being a new mother. “The first few months, I would just stare at him and be like, ‘Oh my gosh, how do people get back to work?’ It’s not easy,” she said of her son.

On June 5, she posted a photo of Madden wearing a soccer jersey with her name on it. Clearly, the little one is already his mom’s biggest fan!