Is Lindsey Horan considered persona non-grata when it comes to prestigious individual awards? Consider the 2024 Ballon d’Or, for instance—the first time fans openly criticized the nomination of the USWNT midfielder. Now, a similar situation has arisen, with the Lyon superstar facing backlash once again for making the cut into The Best FIFA Women’s XI, despite earning the endorsement of someone as esteemed as Emma Hayes.

To fill you in, the 9th edition of The Best FIFA Awards took place in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday night. Alongside the various awards handed out across men’s and women’s categories, the apex authority of the beautiful game also unveiled the best XI team. Interestingly, in the women’s best XI, Lindsey Horan, Alyssa Naeher, and Naomi Girma were among the USWNT players who made the cut.

A few ardent American fans felt proud to see the Stars and Stripes trio earn their place in the prestigious distinction of the best team. Moreover, it even prompted NT manager Emma Hayes to congratulate her star players. The former Chelsea boss shared a graphic post of Horan, Naeher, and Girma together on her Instagram stories. Additionally, she wrote a caption saying, “Congrats to our amazing players.”

Aside from the American trio, several notable names round out the best XI. With Naeher between the sticks, the defense features Irene Paredes, Ona Batlle, and Lucy Bronze alongside Girma. In midfield, Aitana Bonmatí, Gabi Portilho, and Patri Guijarro join Horan, while Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo complete the attack.

Notably, while Naeher and Girma are justified names to be on the list, it’s Horan’s inclusion that didn’t earn a positive reception. This has somehow created a bit of havoc among fans on the internet, who aren’t holding back over the Lyon midfielder.

Despite Emma Hayes’ approval, the soccer world questions Lindsey Horan in The Best FIFA Women’s XI

After the final list was shared by FIFA in an Instagram post, the USWNT handle also congratulated Naomi Girma, Lindsey Horan, and Alyssa Naeher. Moreover, soccer fans rushed to express their thoughts in the comments. The majority of the netizens weren’t impressed and made their feelings clear by making necessary comments below the post.

It seems to be the same old picture for Horan. The moment she made the cut in the 30-player list of Ballon d’Or, fans didn’t hold back their aggression. They even called Lindsey making the prestigious Golden Ball list over Girma, who had rather received a snub from France Football. Now it is happening in The Best FIFA Women’s XI:

“Having Horan on this is insane.”

We were hoping that someone would finally call this out and boy, this fan did. Tripple Espresso, a.k.a. the formidable attacking trio of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson, are all missing from this list. However, Horan being called ahead of either of the forwards is diabolic from FIFA, according to this fan:

“Horan but none of triple espresso? Lmao okay.”

Leverage may sound like an ordinary word, but its significance is far greater than you’d expect. We hardly think any player has ever had any particular influence on such awards, but this fan seems to be thinking so far ahead that it only makes us wonder what exactly Horan hasn’t done for her presence on the list to appear devilish to them:

“Horan walked in on someone at FIFA cheating on their wife and she’s covering for them. It’s the only way.”

Shots fired! This is the USWNT skipper, by the way, that a few fans aren’t thrilled to see on The Best FIFA Women’s XI. Donning No. 10 for her nation, this fan is rather skeptical of even seeing the 30-year-old do so. But why? Despite knowing she has played a crucial role for her nation in the 2024 Paris Olympics, while also being a centerpiece for her domestic side as well:

“Horan ain’t that good she overrated, don’t see how she wears number 10.”

Good performances for Lyon, making regular starring appearances and leading Emma Hayes’ formidable XI, yet the hate doesn’t seem to be stopping for Horan. We wonder what exactly they think Horan doesn’t have or what it takes to be on The Best FIFA Women’s XI team:

“What’s Horan doing on there 💀💀?”

Sadly, this is just a glimpse of what you saw about Lindsey Horan getting hate over making the surprising cut in The Best FIFA Women’s XI. Regardless, we would like to know your thoughts on the same in the comments.