aPatrick Mahomes is going through one of the toughest periods of his career, and his attention has quietly shifted beyond the sidelines. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback is currently rehabbing from a serious knee injury, but this week he found another reason to play Kansas City sports. That was thanks to Hayley Hopkins’ outstanding performance.
Hopkins, a forward for Kansas City Current, scored a hat trick in a 6-1 win over SE Palmeiras in the Teal Rising Cup final, marking a defining moment for the club’s early 2026 season.
It was the first hat trick recorded at CPKC Stadium and only the second in franchise history, a milestone that immediately drew Mahomes’ attention.
The three-time Super Bowl champion, who also co-owns the Currents with Brittany Mahomes, reshared footage of Hopkins’ performance on social media, amplifying what is quickly becoming one of the team’s biggest personal moments of the season.
The timing couldn’t be more important for Kansas City. Current entered the game looking to stem a frustrating dip in form after a strong 2025 season followed by a rare losing streak. Hopkins emphatically changed that narrative.
Her three goals not only earned them the silver medal, but also reignited the belief within the team as they searched for rhythm. By the end of the night, she had been named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player for the second year in a row, reflecting both her consistency and her performances in decisive moments.
Head coach Chris Armas emphasized the importance of the change after the game. “The energy is contagious within the team…and so is winning,” he said. “That’s why it’s so important for the team to experience winning and scoring.”
A performance like Hopkins could be crucial for a team looking to reaffirm its status as a member of the league’s elite.
Why Mahomes is being watched closely
Mahomes’ response was more than just support. Since joining the ownership group, he has been closely involved in Current’s rapid rise as a visible supporter and as part of a broader investment in women’s soccer in Kansas City.
The opening of CPKC Stadium, the first venue built exclusively for a women’s professional team, was a turning point for the franchise. Since then, they have also grown financially, with Current emerging as one of the most valuable teams in the league.
Hopkins’ arrival fits neatly into that trajectory. As the club’s profile continues to grow, outstanding individual performances will only accelerate its momentum.
For Mahomes, who is currently recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, these moments offer a different perspective on the game and remain closely connected to the city’s sports identity.
Rise in attention and great expectations for the future
The challenge now for Hopkins is to maintain that level. Incredible performances can immediately improve a player’s stats, but it’s consistency that defines long-term impact.
Kansas City will have its next chance to build on that momentum when it returns to NWSL action on April 24 against the Washington Spirit. Having regained their confidence, Current will aim to translate their success in cup competitions into league form.
Meanwhile, Mahomes’ schedule remains uncertain. While Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has expressed optimism about a possible return early in the season, recovery from injuries like this rarely follows a set schedule.
Meanwhile, Kansas City’s biggest star has already found a compelling storyline to follow, one centered around a forward whose rise has begun to demand broader attention.
