France Football revealed its nominees for the Men’s and Women’s Ballon d’Or award on Wednesday and five U.S. women’s national team stars made the cut.
Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, Alyssa Naeher, Lindsey Horan and Mallory Swanson were among the 30 nominees for the Women’s honor. All three players were influential in the USWNT’s Gold Medal triumph at the Paris Olympics earlier this summer.
Rodman scored three goals and added one assist in six appearances for the USWNT. The Washington Spirit standout also featured in the CONCACAF W Gold Cup, the SheBelieves Cup, as well as four friendly matches this year.
At club level, Rodman has contributed six goals and four assists in 17 NWSL appearances.
Swanson, a veteran on the USWNT roster, scored four goals and registered two assists in six Olympic appearances. She also added two goals and two assists in three friendly appearances.
With the Chicago Red Stars, Swanson has contributed seven goals and three assists in 16 NWSL appearances.
Smith, the reigning NWSL MVP, has scored 11 goals and added six assists in 15 NWSL appearances for the Portland Thorns. In Paris, Smith contributed three goals and two assists in six Olympic appearances.
She’s also featured in the CONCACAF W Gold Cup, as well as the SheBelieves Cup.
Horan continued to be a focal point in the USWNT midfield, logging 17 appearances and four goals to date. At club level, she remains with French club Lyon.
The 36-year-old Naeher has made 15 appearances to date and is the only goalkeeper to be nominated.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or gala is set to be held on October 28 in Paris, France.
Horan and Naeher were also nominated
Naomi Girma should be on this list.
Defenders never get any respect
she was the best player
Naomi Girma should BE the list.