The 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or nominations have brought to light the incredible talent and skill of the United States Women’s National Team players. The likes of Lindsey Horan, Alyssa Naeher, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson have all been recognized for their outstanding performances in the past year. These players were instrumental in the USWNT’s gold medal win at the 2024 Olympics and have now received nominations for one of the most prestigious awards in women’s football.
USWNT Representation
The United States co-leads the representation on the 30-player shortlist alongside Spain, with five players from each team making the list. This just goes to show the dominance of these two teams on the international stage. Not only have the players been recognized for their individual performances, but USWNT head coach Emma Hayes has also been nominated for Women’s Coach of the Year. This is a testament to the exceptional leadership and guidance provided by Hayes, who took charge of the team just over two months before their Olympic triumph.
Rodman, Smith, and Swanson were the standout performers for the USWNT at the Olympics, accounting for 10 of the team’s 12 goals during the tournament. Their impressive goal-scoring capabilities played a crucial role in securing the gold medal for the United States. Furthermore, Naeher’s exceptional goalkeeping skills were on full display during the knockout stages, making crucial saves in the semifinal and final matches. Her presence as the only goalkeeper on the 30-player list speaks volumes about her impact on the team.
The Women’s Ballon d’Or has gained significant recognition in recent years, with top players from around the world being honored for their outstanding performances. The inaugural award was given in 2018 to Norway and Lyon forward Ada Hegerberg, followed by USWNT winger Megan Rapinoe in the following year. However, no American player has made it to the top three since then. The dominance of Spanish players in the past three years reflects the growing presence of European teams in women’s football.
The 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or nominations have shed light on the incredible talent and performances of USWNT players on the international stage. With five players from the team making the 30-player shortlist, it is evident that the United States continues to be a powerhouse in women’s football. The individual performances of players like Rodman, Smith, Swanson, Naeher, and Horan have not gone unnoticed, and their nominations for the prestigious award are a testament to their hard work and dedication to the sport. As the Women’s Ballon d’Or continues to gain recognition and popularity, we can expect to see more exceptional players being honored for their contributions to the game.
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