Since the start of the Ballon d’Or Féminin back in 2018, Megan Rapinoe remains the only American to win the laureate. With Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí each securing two titles in the past four years, soccer legend Mia Hamm believes Sophia Smith will bring the honor back to the United States. We are sure if the award existed during Mia Hamm’s time, she’d have more than one resting at home. 

In an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, she shared her thoughts on the future of U.S. women’s soccer, in particular, the ‘Triple Espresso’ of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson. The two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup and Olympic gold medalist leaned towards the Portland Thorns forward to break the USWNT’s Ballon d’Or drought. 

“It’s hard to say, I’d probably say Sophia if someone said pick one right now,” said Hamm. And she’s not mistaken, over the last three years, Sophia Smith has consistently recorded double-digit goals in the regular NWSL season. She also scored three goals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the United States won gold. 

“The thing right now with Sophia is, (that) because she has been asked to play more of a (number) 9, I think, she’s figured out a way to not only be the finisher she needs to be but also can find players through those scenes, and she’s been able to do that for Trin and Mal,” said Hamm in this exclusive conversation with EssentiallySports. 

All 3 were named in the top 10 for the 2024 Ballon d’Or Féminin. They also played a pivotal role in Emma Hayes USWNT’s gold-winning campaign, as they combined for 10 of the team’s 12 goals. Mia Hamm had a lot more to ‘brew’ about the ‘Triple Espresso’ in the interview. 

“They are so much fun to watch:” Mia Hamm on Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson

Hamm highlights how each player individually contributes to the game, and the effect only triples when they are combined. “They are lethal with their finishing and they didn’t need like 100 chances to score, and you saw that in the final match” added the former USWNT player. According to her, if opponents focus on one of them, the other two are more than capable of causing significant damage.

Out of the 3, Trinity Rodman is among the favorites to win the NWSL title this year. Perhaps, this will swing her chances of winning next year’s Ballon d’Or in her direction. Only time will tell which one among them will do the Stars and Stripes proud with plenty of chances to shine at upcoming tournaments. Stay tuned for more updates from Mia Hamm’s exclusive interview with EssentiallySports!