The 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or nominations have been announced, and five United States women’s national team players have made the shortlist for the prestigious award presented by France Football magazine. The players include Lindsey Horan, Alyssa Naeher, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson. These talented athletes were recognized for their outstanding performances at the 2024 Olympics, where they helped the USWNT secure the gold medal.
The United States co-leads the representation on the 30-player shortlist alongside Spain, with both nations having five players each nominated for the award. The USWNT players have not only shown their prowess on the international stage but also excel domestically in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), with four out of the five players playing in the league.
Rodman, Smith, and Swanson were instrumental in the USWNT’s success at the 2024 Olympics, accounting for a significant portion of the team’s goals during the tournament. Their exceptional performances, including scoring crucial game-winning goals in the knockout stage, were key to the USWNT’s journey to its first Olympic gold medal since 2012. The trio, known as “Triple Espresso,” showcased skill, determination, and teamwork throughout the competition.
Each USWNT player brings a unique set of skills and accomplishments to the table. Rodman has appeared in every USWNT match since 2023, highlighting her consistency and reliability on the field. Smith, a finalist for the 2023 NWSL MVP Award, has proven herself as a top talent in women’s soccer. Naeher, the only goalkeeper on the 30-player list, demonstrated her exceptional abilities with crucial saves during key matches, including the gold medal win over Brazil.
Despite the impressive performances of the USWNT players, some notable names were absent from the nomination list. Players like Naomi Girma, praised as “the best defender I’ve ever seen” by head coach Emma Hayes, did not make the cut. Girma’s absence raises questions about the selection criteria and the recognition of defensive talents in women’s soccer.
Spain, the 2023 World Cup champion, also has five players nominated for the Women’s Ballon d’Or, showcasing the country’s talent and success in women’s soccer. Other countries like England, which finished as runners-up in the 2023 World Cup, also have representation on the nomination list. The diversity of talent and competition among nations adds excitement and anticipation to the final award announcement.
The Women’s Ballon d’Or has a rich history, with past winners like Ada Hegerberg and Megan Rapinoe making their mark in women’s soccer. The recognition of women’s achievements in the sport is a significant step towards equality and empowerment. As the 2024 award ceremony approaches, fans and players alike eagerly await to see who will be crowned the best female footballer in the world.
The 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or nominations showcase the talent, dedication, and skill of women’s soccer players from around the world. The USWNT players have proven themselves on both the national and international stage, highlighting their contributions to the sport. As the award ceremony draws near, the anticipation and excitement continue to grow, providing a platform to celebrate the achievements of female athletes in football.
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