The NWSL continues to solidify its place as a powerhouse in women's football, with several players and a coach earning nominations for the prestigious 2024 FIFA Best Awards. From standout performances on the pitch to leadership off it, these nominations highlight the league’s growing influence in shaping the global game. Additionally, this will be the first year the FIFA Marta Award is given to the best goal scorer of the year.
TO CAST YOUR FAN VOTE: https://www.fifa.com/en/the-best-fifa-football-awards/2024
Best FIFA Women’s Player
Four NWSL stars are among the nominees for the Best FIFA Women’s Player, celebrating their outstanding contributions to club and country over the past year:
- Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride/Zambia)
- Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars/USA)
- Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave/USA)
- Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns/USA)
- Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit/USA)
Best FIFA Women’s Coach
Joining the ranks of elite tacticians, Jonatan Giráldez earned a nomination for Best FIFA Women’s Coach. After guiding Barcelona to another treble-winning season, Giráldez took the reins at the Washington Spirit, where his innovative strategies and experienced staff helped drive the team to their third NWSL Championship appearance in club history.
Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper
The NWSL boasts two nominees in the Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper category:
- Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars/USA)
- Ann-Katrin Berger (NJ/NY Gotham FC/Germany)
The Best FIFA 11
Fans can vote for 11 players from a list of 77 players for their Best FIFA 11, the best players in their position in a dream lineup. The nominated NWSL players are:
Forwards
- Barbra Banda
- Trinity Rodman
- Sophia Smith
- Mal Swanson
- Adriana
- Temwa Chawinga
- Racheal Kundananji
- Kerolin
Midfielders
- Sam Coffey
- Jessie Fleming
- Quinn
Defenders
- Jess Carter
- Naomi Girma
- Tarciane
- Rafaelle
Goalkeeper
- Ann-Katrin Berger
- Alyssa Naeher
- Kailen Sheridan
FIFA Marta Award
The inaugural FIFA Marta Award, named in honor of the Brazilian legend who capped her illustrious career with an NWSL Championship win alongside Orlando Pride in 2024, celebrates the best goal scored in women’s football worldwide. This year, three NWSL players represent the league among the nominees, with one scoring their nominated goal before joining their NWSL team:
Trinity Rodman (USA/Washington Spirit) USA v Japan | 3 August 2024
TRINITY RODMAN TAKE A BOW. 👏
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 3, 2024
THAT IS ABSOLUTELY STUNNING. THE USWNT LEADS IN EXTRA TIME.#ParisOlympics | 📺 USA and Peacock pic.twitter.com/rNlebzAyOo
Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria/Barcelona/Bay FC) Barcelona v Benfica | 14 November 2023
ASISAT OSHOALA OVERHEAD KICK NAMED CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GOAL OF THE SEASON. 🚲
— The Women's Game (@WomensGameMIB) May 27, 2024
UEFA announced end of season honors today. The now @wearebayfc Nigerian striker claimed the award with this beauty for Barcelona. 🇳🇬
pic.twitter.com/DXSIY34hSl