USWNT’s Olympic Contingent Part of NWSL Nominations For Ballon d’Or Feminin

The NWSL is home to some of the top talent in women’s soccer, with players who have shined both in domestic competition and on the international stage. From explosive forwards to reliable defenders, these athletes have not only driven their teams’ success but have also made a lasting mark on the league as a whole.

This year, six players from NWSL have been nominated for the Ballon d’Or Feminin. The six nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or Féminin match the league record for the most nominees in a single year, with the previous record of six nominations set in 2019. The award recognizes the sport’s best players on the world stage each year and is presented by France Football.

Barbra Banda plays as a forward for Orlando Pride. Since joining Pride, the 24-year-old has scored 12 goals in league play which is the second-highest in the NWSL, just one goal away from matching the Pride’s single-season scoring record. She also became the second player in Pride’s history to score 10 or more goals in a single season after Marta scored 13 in 2017.

On the international stage, Banda was recently named to her second Olympic roster, representing Zambia at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The forward scored four goals and an assist, including a hat trick against Australia.

Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)

Alyssa Naeher has enjoyed a brilliant season between the sticks for the Chicago Red Stars, ranking in the top 10 this season for goals against, save percentage, and total saves. Despite facing the fifth-most shots on target this season, the goalkeeper has recorded three clean sheets.

Naeher also started all six games for USWNT at the Paris Olympics recording 21 saves on a .913 save percentage. She didn’t allow a single goal in the knockout stages of the competition and conceded only two in the group stage.

Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit)

Trinity Rodman has been breaking records since making her debut in the NWSL. She scored six goals and four assists for Washington Spirit, leading the team to one of its best seasons in club history. The forward has been an integral part of Spirit’s season and has helped them to be within the striking distance of the club’s first-ever Shield title.

The 21-year-old became the youngest player in NWSL history to make 40-goal contributions in all competitions. She also established a new club record for the most career regular-season assists.

Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC)

Sophia Smith plays as a forward for the Portland Thorns. Smith has scored 11 goals and assisted 6 during the current season. She also led them to a second-place finish in the regular season and a semi-final berth in the playoffs last season. She won the Golden Boot in the NWSL 2023.

Smith scored three goals and provided one assist in USWNT’s gold medal triumph at the Paris Olympics. Her knack for regularly scoring goals and setting up opportunities for her teammates has established her as one of the most formidable forwards in the women’s game.

Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars)

Mal Swanson has been a key player for the Chicago Red Stars and uses her speed, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring prowess to terrorize the defenses throughout the league. In the ongoing season, she has scored 7 goals in 16 games and sits fifth in the Golden Boot race. She scored three goals at the Paris Olympics including a winner in the Gold Medal match against Brazil.

Swanson’s contributions have enhanced her team’s offensive strength and captivated fans with her thrilling and dynamic style of play. Her consistency in bagging goals at the highest level has cemented her legacy as one of the greats to ever grace the NWSL pitch.

Tarciane (Houston Dash)

Tarciane has made a significant impact defensively since joining the Houston Dash. Her defensive skills, combined with her effectiveness on set pieces, have made her an indispensable asset for club and country. She helped to solidify Dash’s leafy defense, doubling their clean sheet tally since her arrival.

In 2022, Tarciane was ranked as the 14th-best wonderkid in women’s soccer and the Brazilian also helped her nation to win a silver medal at the Paris Olympics.

 

Read More: Who Has the Most Appearances in NWSL History

Mohd Faisal Hakak

Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.