Hope Solo Rio 2016 Olympics Boo Zika Brazilian Fans

Photo Credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez / Staff.

The games have begun! And in Rio de Janeiro, the women's U.S. soccer team kicked off the 2016 Olympic Games with a win against New Zealand. One of the players responsible for this is the notable goalie for the team, Hope Solo. The 31-year-old goalkeeper is a veteran of the Olympics, having been on the gold medal Olympic team twice before. This is her 16th year playing on the national soccer team. That's a pretty strong résumé, wouldn't you say? So why were the Brazilian fans booing every time Solo came in contact with the ball? The intense booing was even captured by those recording the game.

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Hope Solo continues to hilariously get booed in Belo Horizonte #USAvNZL pic.twitter.com/hxiDZGS4Fj
— Andrew Jerell Jones (@sluggahjells) August 3, 2016

Hope Solo being booed every time she touches the ball. She doesn't seem too popular with the locals.
— amadí tídíane thiam (@amadoit__) August 3, 2016

It hasn't been confirmed as to why she seems to be so disliked by attendees from the host country. Though, it is most likely linked back to her controversial comments about the Zika virus. As The Washington Post reports, Solo said she was "begrudgingly" attending the ceremonies this year due to concerns about the virus. She also shared a few tweets in July, further advertising her Zika fears.

Not sharing this!!! Get your own! #zikaproof #RoadToRio pic.twitter.com/y3d8hnuEjk
— Hope Solo (@hopesolo) July 22, 2016

If anyone in the village forgets to pack repellent, come and see me...#DeptOfDefense #zikaproof pic.twitter.com/x8RdUV6M7c
— Hope Solo (@hopesolo) July 22, 2016

The booing infuriated many stateside viewers watching from home.

me every time i hear the crowd boo @hopesolo #USWNT pic.twitter.com/EeOi52Q73H
— Abigail Cathcart (@abcthcrt) August 4, 2016

Must we boo @hopesolo? pic.twitter.com/1eugjXj16m
— Nicole Henschel (@nmhenschel) August 3, 2016

How can anyone boo Hope Solo? She is the definition of spectacular. #WorldsBestKeeper #USAvNZL
— Laura (@Lora_Swainz) August 3, 2016

What these people don't realize is that Hope Solo only gets better when they boo her #FuelTheMonster #Haters ????????
— Taylor Nunn (@t_nunn12) August 3, 2016

Following the team's win, Solo told a reporter that she did hear the boos from the field, but that she was happy the crowd enjoyed themselves, even if it was at her expense.

Hope Solo on fans' booing: "I'm glad the fans had fun. If they had more fun at my expense, more power to them." pic.twitter.com/1pbcdJIgw4
— Rick Maese (@RickMaese) August 4, 2016

Given the team's successful track record, Solo will be in Brazil for a while. Hopefully the fans will warm up to her, like she has warmed up to them.

So far the people, hotel, food & coffee in Brasil are wonderful! But @CarliLloyd, why is my poster above your bed? pic.twitter.com/l7PTpxCw24
— Hope Solo (@hopesolo) July 29, 2016

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