Soccer players are often defined by the trophies they win on the pitch, which results in individual accolades that solidify their legacy. The more trophies one has, the better they are. So when not a single player from the USWNT was named in the FIFPRO Women’s World XI 2024, despite winning Olympic Gold in Paris this year, fans began to question whether the selection process favored players from Europe. 

Every year, FIFPRO and about 70 player unions provide links to their voting platform to players worldwide. So when the likes of Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson, all of who were instrumental in Emma Hayes’ gold-winning side did not make the XI, fans took to social media to voice their frustration. 

“Naomi and Alyssa getting snubbed out if actually criminal. Get out of here with that!” said one fan on an Instagram post highlighting American players’ absence. Speaking of American players, Naomi Girma was the sole USWNT player among the 26 nominees for the starting XI. 

Considering the legacy of the USWNT, with players who’ve won World Cups and Ballon d’Or, it is rather surprising. Looking back at the season Smith and Rodman have had, with Mallory Swanson scoring the winning goal in the Olympic final, snubbing the ‘triple espresso’ from the list altogether has caused debate over recognition disparities between the U.S. and European players.

While U.S. Women’s soccer has consistently produced world-class talent, many of which play worldwide, fans believe that the USWNT has been ‘robbed’. For Barcelona, it was a rather memorable moment with 4 of their players making it to the list. With only 2 NWSL players, Marta and Barbra Banda, on the list, it begs the question of whether the soccer side across the lake is going unnoticed. 

Supporting Rodman and Girma, fans roast the ‘pointless’ FIFPRo Awards list drama

Former USWNT star Sam Mewis shared a post about the exclusion of American players from the list which saw fans voice their opinions in the comments. “Keep your lists, they’ll keep trophies,” a user pointed out the questionable inclusion of players who hadn’t won any trophies over those who did in the nomination list, raising concerns about the selection criteria. 

Trinity Rodman and Naomi Girma received overwhelming support, with many highlighting their stellar club seasons. Rodman, in particular, whose contributions led her team, the Washington Spirit to the NWSL final. “Any list without Girma is pointless,” Naomi Girma wins fans’ hearts, as she always has been a defensive wall, putting up consistent performances for both club and country. 

Some fans speculated in the comments that the voting learned more about players’ popularity and friendships rather than their performances for the season- “Do footballers even watch the game anymore?” However, this argument isn’t definitive but a surprise omission was Lionel Messi, who ended his 17-year streak of being in the Men’s XI. 

One made a sharp remark- “5 players from England and yet they didn’t even play in the Olympics,” suggesting that England orchestrated some sort of a voting campaign to favor their players in the selection. Regardless, the common theme was that the fans rather watch their players get trophies than make it to some lists. And with the momentum that Emma Hayes is building with the USWNT, she’s likely to add more silverware to their cabinet. Do you think that the USWNT players deserved a name on the list? Let us know below.