“She’s the best defender I’ve ever seen.” Nothing but a few words of praise from Emma Hayes about Naomi Girma. Throughout the Paris Olympics, the USWNT defender not just left an indelible impression on the former Chelsea boss but also on the rest of the soccer world. Yet, the unfortunate turn of events didn’t see the San Diego Wave star make the cut in the recent Ballon d’Or Feminine nominations. Her absence also forced NWSL rival coach Laura Harvey to question the true ‘recognition’ of the prestigious award.

The Seattle Reign FC and former Arsenal boss took to X and slammed the Ballon d’Or stakeholders over snubbing the 24-year-old center-back. Harvey tweeted, “The Ballon d’Or is recognition of what? Is it domestic performances? Is it national team performances? Is it Champions League performances? Because on the women’s side how Naomi Girma isn’t nominated makes the whole thing hilarious.”

Interestingly, Harvey isn’t alone as every soccer fan seeks an answer to the exact same query. With different winners announced in the following years (at least the majority of times), questions have been raised over the actual criteria for winning the Ballon d’Or. In fact, there are many instances to prove this.

Let’s prove this by discussing some controversial winners. In the 2023 Ballon d’Or, Erling Haaland was touted to lift the prestigious award because he secured a domestic treble with Manchester City and even scored 50+ goals across all tournaments. However, Lionel Messi who lifted the 2022 World Cup with Argentina was awarded his record eighth Golden Ball instead, which didn’t settle with many.

Another similar instance transpired in 2013 when Frank Ribery was the candidate to win the award. The Frenchman had also guided Bayern Munich to a domestic treble with a remarkable performance. However, it was Cristiano Ronaldo that took the award instead. Eyebrows were raised to the fact that the Portuguese superstar didn’t win a single silverware but did net 66 goals in 56 games.

These are just a few examples to make one wonder exactly how the nominations or even the winners are selected. Even though Naomi Girma didn’t score goals in the recent Paris Olympics, her performance was enough to at least make the nominations. Either way, let’s see who all from the Olympic-winning team are contesting for this award then.

While Naomi Girma fails to make the cut, 5 USWNT star eyeing Ballon d’Or

Despite Naomi Girma’s surprising omission from the Ballon d’Or Féminin nominees, a few of her U.S. national teammates made the cut. The dynamic trio of Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Smith, known as Triple Espresso, earned their spots after a standout tournament performance, combining for 12 goals.

Surprisingly, midfielder Lindsey Horan also made the list, having captained the team throughout. Not to forget the true anchor of the USWNT defense: veteran goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, the fifth U.S. player nominated. She kept four clean sheets and allowed only two goals during the Olympic campaign.

In the coaching category, Emma Hayes is up for the Best Women’s Coach award, competing against England’s Sarina Wiegman and her successor at Chelsea, Sonia Bompastor. Hayes’ former WSL club is also nominated for the Best Club award, alongside Barcelona, NJ/NY Gotham FC, Lyon, and PSG. Regardless, it’s sad that Naomi Girma won’t be running her case for Ballon d’Or.