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The U.S. Women’s National Team is the world's most successful national women’s team because of its victories, including the Women’s World Cup in 1991, 1999, 2015, and 2019, five Olympic gold medals, championships, and one CONCACAF W Gold Cup, which are legendary. Unsurprisingly, five American women have the chance to win women's soccer’s most prestigious award, the Ballon d’Or Feminin. Here are the nominees:
1. Trinity Rodman
The daughter of NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman has made a significant impact as a forward for the Washington Spirit in the NWSL. She is known for her speed, technical ability, and aggressive attacking play. At just 21 years old, she is one of the youngest players nominated. She has already become a key figure for the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), contributing to their success in tournaments like the Olympics, where she scored three goals, and the SheBelieves Cup.
Rodman’s dynamic play has earned her recognition as one of the most promising talents in women’s soccer. This also leads to excitement for what will come in her career as a forward and what significant input she might have on the game. She has scored 26 goals throughout her club career, while in her 46 international appearances, she has scored 10 goals.
2. Sophia Smith
A standout forward for the Portland Thorns was the NWSL’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2022. She has had 11 goals in 15 games. She has earned praise for her goal-scoring ability and has consistently been one of the top performers for both her club and the USWNT. Smith’s contributions to the USWNT’s success at the 2024 Paris Olympics and her standout performances in league play made her a strong contender for this prestigious nomination. Given her stand-out talent, she might be able to rise above the shoulders of her other teammates due to that consistency. She has 47 total club goals and has 23 international goals throughout her career.
3. Alyssa Naeher
The veteran goalkeeper for the USWNT and the Chicago Red Stars has been a critical figure for the national team for many years, which makes her a veteran that other players look up to. Known for her crucial saves and leadership at the back, Naeher was instrumental in the USWNT’s defensive strength during the 2024 Paris Olympics. She is also the only goalkeeper nominated for the Ballon d'Or Féminin, highlighting her unique role in the sport because almost everyone nominated plays on the pitch. Naeher’s steady presence in goalkeeping has made her a cornerstone of the team because the goalkeeper is one of the most critical members of the team.
4. Lindsey Horan
A midfielder for French club Olympique Lyonnais, she has been a central figure in the USWNT midfield for several years. Horan is known for her technical skills, physicality, and ability to control the game's tempo. She was a critical player for the USWNT during their 2024 Olympic run and remains a dominant force for Lyon, one of Europe's top women’s clubs. Horan’s leadership and playmaking abilities have made her one of the most respected players in the sport, especially since she has had more than 100 goals throughout her career.
5. Mallory Swanson
Formerly known as Mallory Pugh, she plays forward for the Chicago Red Stars. Swanson is renowned for her pace, creativity, and ability to score crucial goals. Despite injury setbacks in previous seasons, she bounced back in 2024 with solid performances for the USWNT and her club. This showcases her drive and love for the game as she did everything to come back on top. Swanson was a key contributor during the 2024 Olympics, and her form in the NWSL has reaffirmed her status as one of the top forwards in American soccer, given that she has 37 club goals and 38 international goals throughout her career.
Will An American Win The Ballon d'Or Feminin?
Yes
No
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