USWNT has once again risen to glory. Despite suffering a period of silence and not winning any major trophy since 2019, the team once again looks to be thriving under Emma Hayes. While everyone credits Hayes for making exceptional decisions and bringing out the best in her team, it is pretty obvious that her attacking trio was also the main reason for the recent juggernaut.

However, with the time to reward the best players through the 2024 Ballon d’Or Feminin, former USWNT player Ali Krieger astonishingly chooses Spanish ace Aitana Bonmati as the favorite.

Although acknowledging the Triple Espresso – Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson as contenders, Krieger heaped praise on Bonmati on ESPN. When asked if the midfielder was the forerunner, she said, “Absolutely, hands down. I believe that. Obviously, we have some of our American talent in our front three that we saw at the Olympics can really come back. Maybe some of those compliments to her.”

Krieger wishes her fellow Americans could win but confesses that Bonmati was at another level.

The former USWNT defender continued saying, “But I believe that with all the titles that she (Bonmati) won individually and for her team, she is currently the best player in the world. And obviously, we see that now with the contract extension.”

However, the Olympic gold may provide tight competition for the best women’s player award.

Meanwhile, the Barcelona ace once again made a strong case for a Ballon d’Or repeat. Winning it last year for her World Cup heroics, Bonmati’s accolades this year include the European Championship, the Liga F, and the UEFA Nations League.

Moreover, her 26 goals and 18 assists, including the clutch ones against Hayes‘ own Chelsea in the CL semifinal, and against Lyon in the final added a lot of weight. Nevertheless, the USA women deserve more recognition amid the award’s severe criticism.

USWNT players make a compelling argument despite competition from Bonmati

If Ballon d’Or aimed to identify the best player, you may imagine it to consider the USWNT players too. With the NWSL beginning in January, most of their numbers would go unnoticed. Yet the three strikers have made their case leading the rampage in the USWNT’s 2024 Paris Games victory. Swanson, Rodman, and Smith scored a whopping 10 goals in total helping them win all 6 games without a single draw or a loss.

Even though the Stars and Stripes’ defense did a stellar job conceding just 2 goals in the tournament, the goals by the three attackers in the three knockouts helped the USA triumph unopposed.

In addition, all three USWNT stars had an excellent NWSL this season. While Smith had 14 goal contributions with eight goals, Rodman had 9 in 15 matches. On the other hand, Swanson, who returned from a major injury, also scored 4 goals for the Chicago Red Stars and remains to be their key player.

Yet, while Smith could be the most likely to compete, the other two have shown promise for the next season. With such a complicated decision to make, who do you think will win the Ballon d’Or this year? Let us know in the comments.