The 2024 Ballon d'Or Féminin shortlist has been unveiled and the NWSL is well-represented, with six of its brightest stars earning nominations along with a club and a coach. The Ballon d'Or, awarded annually by France Football, is one of the most prestigious individual honors in soccer, recognizing the world's best players.
This year’s list matches the NWSL’s record for the most nominations in a single year, previously set in 2019 when Seattle Reign FC and USWNT forward Megan Rapinoe was awarded the highly-coveted trophy. The inclusion of these six players highlights the league's increasing impact on the global stage, showcasing top talents who are excelling both at home and abroad.
The Nominees
Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride)
Barbra Banda has been a revelation for Orlando Pride this season, bringing her dynamic play and goal-scoring prowess to the NWSL. Known for her explosive speed and clinical finishing, Banda currently is second in the NWSL Golden Boot race with 12 goals in 14 games.
Her impact extends beyond club football as she has also been a key player for Zambia. Heading into the 2024 Paris Olympics in incredible form – having scored 12 goals in 12 games – Banda continued her goal-scoring ways in the Paris Games by earning a hat trick, making her total Olympics goal tally (2020, 2024) 9, not far away from Cristiane’s record 14 goals for Brazil.
Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
Alyssa Naeher continues to be a rock-solid presence between the posts for the Chicago Red Stars, showcasing her world-class shot-stopping abilities and leadership. With her quick reflexes and command of the box, Naeher has been instrumental in Chicago’s 2024 season.
And as the starting goalkeeper for the USWNT, she has consistently delivered under pressure, playing a crucial role in major international tournaments, most recently the 2024 Paris Olympics. In Paris, Naeher made multiple key saves to keep the USWNT’s lead, ensuring they progressed all the way to the gold medal match. And in the waning minutes of the final, Naeher’s stoppage-time save guaranteed gold for the States, cementing her legacy as one of the best in the sport.
Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit)
Trinity Rodman has taken the NWSL by storm ever since her rookie year with her electrifying flair, creativity, and knack for scoring crucial goals. As one of the most exciting young talents in the league, Rodman’s performances for the Washington Spirit have been nothing short of spectacular.
Her rise on the international stage with the USWNT has been equally impressive, where she emerged as a key attacking threat and one-third of the famous Triple Espresso trio during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her three Olympic goals, one of which was a game-winner in the quarterfinals against Japan, were crucial to the USWNT’s tournament dominance, solidifying her reputation as a clutch performer. Rodman's standout contributions have rightfully earned her her second Ballon d’Or nomination, making her a player to watch for years to come.
Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns)
Sophia Smith has been a force to be reckoned with for the Portland Thorns, combining technical skill, vision, and a lethal scoring touch. Her ability to consistently find the back of the net and create opportunities for her teammates has made her one of the most dangerous forwards in the NWSL, where she won the 2023 NWSL Golden Boot and is currently in third in the 2024 race with 11 goals in 15 games.
On the international stage, Smith has emerged as a pivotal figure for the USWNT with her goal-scoring prowess and creative playmaking consistently enrapturing soccer fans across the world. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Smith teamed up with fellow "Triple Espresso" standouts Trinity Rodman and Mal Swanson to propel the United States to gold. She netted three crucial goals throughout the tournament, including an unforgettable overtime game-winner against Germany in the semifinals. Smith embodies the promising future of both the national team and the NWSL, which is rapidly establishing itself as a premier destination for emerging talent.
Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars)
Mal Swanson has been a standout performer for the Chicago Red Stars, using her speed, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability to terrorize defenses across the league. Her relentless work ethic and attacking flair have made her a star in the NWSL, where she currently is fifth in the Golden Boot race with 7 goals in 16 games.
On the international stage, Swanson has consistently delivered, but she cemented her place in USWNT history during the 2024 Paris Olympics. There, she scored the decisive goal in the gold medal match against Brazil and contributed three goals throughout the tournament. Her partnership with Rodman and Smith in the "Triple Espresso" trio was instrumental, as they accounted for 10 of the team’s 12 goals. Swanson’s incredible comeback from an injury suffered in 2023 and her outstanding performances since have captivated soccer fans worldwide, making it undeniable that the era of Mal is truly upon us.
Tarciane (Houston Dash)
Tarciane has made a significant impact in her first season with the Houston Dash, bringing strength and versatility to the team’s backline. Her defensive prowess, coupled with her ability to contribute offensively on set pieces, has made her an invaluable asset.
Internationally, the 21-year-old has been a rising star for Brazil, solidifying her position as a player they can rely on for years to come and a key component to their next generation – a generation that will surely see more trophies, medals, and accolades. Tarciane’s performance during the 2024 Paris Olympics powered Brazil to the podium, earning them a silver medal and earning her her first Ballon d’Or nomination.
Jonatan Giráldez (Washington Spirit)
In a historic first for the Ballon d'Or, 2024 will see the introduction of an award for the world’s best coach. Among the nominees is Jonatan Giráldez, newly appointed head coach of the Washington Spirit. Giráldez, renowned for his exceptional work with FC Barcelona Femení, led the team to an unprecedented Quadruple, including back-to-back UEFA Women’s Champions League titles. His achievements with Barcelona have earned him a well-deserved spot among this year's Ballon d'Or coaching nominees. Since joining the Spirit, Giráldez has already begun making an impact, guiding the team to a steady climb in the NWSL standings. With his track record and early successes in Washington, Giráldez is certainly a coach to watch as he continues to shape the future of the Spirit and the league.
NJ/NY Gotham FC
NJ/NY Gotham FC has earned a prestigious nomination for Best Club at the 2024 Ballon d'Or, highlighting their remarkable rise in women’s soccer. After clinching their first NWSL Championship last year with a thrilling postseason run, Gotham FC has continued to excel this season, participating in the 2024 Challenge Cup final and earning a spot in the 2024 Summer Cup final as well. Currently sitting fourth in the standings, the team is proving to be a formidable force and is poised to be a major contender in the upcoming playoffs. Their sustained excellence, recent success, and the spate of huge signings – both of domestic and international talent – underscore their status as one of the top clubs in the league with an eye on even more hardware.