NEW YORK (September 4, 2024) – Six players from the National Women’s Soccer League were nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or Féminin, it was announced today. Presented by France Football, the award recognizes the sport’s best players on the world stage each year.

Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars) and Tarciane (Houston Dash) join 24 other international stars as nominees for their contributions to both club and country over the past year.

Highlighting the NWSL’s commitment to developing world-class talent and providing a platform for players to excel on the global stage, the nominations come just weeks after more than 50 of the league’s most accomplished players, including all six honorees, shined at the 2024 Paris Olympics, which saw 29 NWSL players on medal-winning teams.

The six NWSL nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or Féminin ties the league record for most nominees in one year, matching the NWSL's showing from the 2019 cycle.

A win in this year’s cycle would mark the first time an NWSL player has been awarded the honor since former Seattle Reign FC forward Megan Rapinoe was named the 2019 recipient.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or Féminin winner will be announced in a ceremony in Paris, France on Monday, October 28.

Additionally, Washington Spirit Head Coach Jonatan Giráldez, who previously served as the head coach for Barcelona Femení, was nominated for Women’s Team Coach of the Year while reigning NWSL Champion NJ/NY Gotham FC was among the five clubs nominated for Women’s Club of the Year.