Abby Wambach Kissing Her Wife After Winning the World Cup Will Warm Your Heart

Among the many happy images to come out of the July 5 USA win over Japan in the women’s soccer World Cup final is that of Abby Wambach running to the sidelines to kiss her wife Sarah Huffman in celebration.

Wambach was playing in her fourth (and probably last) World Cup.

The two have been married since 2013, but that bond was not legally recognized in all 50 states until the Supreme Court ruling that legalized gay marriage on June 26.

It was an especially powerful moment for Wambach, 35, who holds the record for international goals but who many speculate will retire after a long, successful career.

She has been open about how devastating it would be to have to retire without a World Cup win and took emotional and physical risks to make the championship a reality.

“It’s like love,” she told the New York Times on July 5.

Twitter, at least, saw the moment as a dual victory, and all the sweeter for it, with many fans expressing their approval and realization of the moment’s symbolic importance.

See the Best Moments From U.S. Soccer's Victory in the World Cup Final

Lauren Holiday and Carli Lloyd celebrate with teammates after Lloyd scores her second goal against Japan in the final match of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup at the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on July 5, 2015.

Rich Lam—Getty Images

Carli Lloyd of the United States celebrates her second goal against Japan, in the first half the final match of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup at the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on July 5, 2015.

Bob Frid—EPA

Lauren Holiday celebrates her goal against Japan during the final match of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup at the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on July 5, 2015.

Carmen Jaspersen—EPA

Japan's goalkeeper Kaihori Ayumi fails to hold the ball during the final match of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup at the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on July 5, 2015.

Carmen Jaspersen—EPA

Tobin Heath celebrates with midfielder Morgan Brian after scoring against Japan during the second half of the final of the FIFA 2015 Women's World Cup at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, on July 5, 2015.

Erich Schlegel—USA Today Sports

Heather O'Reilly hugs Megan Rapinoe after the U.S.A. beat Japan 5-2 in the final match of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup at the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on July 5, 2015.

Elaine Thompson—AP

Fans cheer in the second half of the match between the U.S. and Japan, in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup at the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on July 5, 2015.

Ronald Martinez—Getty Images

Tobin Heath celebrates her goal against Japan in the final match of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup at the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on July 5, 2015.

Franck Fife—AFP/Getty Images

Carli Lloyd reacts after defeating Japan in the final of the FIFA 2015 Women's World Cup at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on July 5, 2015.

Erich Schlegel—USA Today Sports

Abby Wambach celebrates the 5-2 victory against Japan in the final match of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup at the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on July 5, 2015.

Dennis Grombkowski—Getty Images

Alex Morgan celebrates the 5-2 victory against Japan in the final match of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup at the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on July 5, 2015.

Kevin C. Cox—Getty Images

The U.S.A. Women's National Team celebrates with the trophy after they beat Japan 5-2 in the final match of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup at the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on July 5, 2015.

Elaine Thompson—AP

Abby Wambach celebrates the 5-2 victory against Japan in the final match of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup at the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on July 5, 2015.

Dennis Grombkowski—Getty Images

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