In the ever-competitive world of soccer, recognition is a battle as fierce as the game itself. For the stars of the USWNT, 2024 was a year of unparalleled triumphs. Yet, as the FIFPRO World 11 was announced, not a single American player found a place on the list. Former USWNT legend echoed the frustration, standing in defense of the American stars who delivered stellar performances this year. Being ignored doesn’t mean you’re invisible; it just means the right people haven’t noticed you yet. This sentiment resonates deeply with USWNT fans and players alike.

Rankings may overlook skill, but the pitch never lies, take Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Smith – the ‘Triple Espresso’ trio who collectively scored ten of the twelve goals in the Olympics or Naomi Girma, a fortress in defense, ensuring the team didn’t concede a single goal in the knockout rounds. These achievements should have been impossible to overlook. This year, the USWNT proved their mettle, yet global recognition eluded them. Why?

In the final 2024 episode of Futbol Americas, Sebastian Salazar and Ali Krieger didn’t hold back when discussing the shocking omission of USWNT players from the FIFPRO World 11. Salazar pointed out the glaring absence of at least one ‘Triple Espresso’ star, like Trinity Rodman, from the list. Ali Krieger, a USWNT legend, voiced her disappointment, raising a valid point, “I question that, you know when you mentioned people overseas not watching the NWSL as often. If that’s the case, I don’t understand how Barbara Banda would make a case for herself with players overseas in the European leagues if they’re not watching the NWSL and the games being played to really know and take an interest in her.”

“Her making a squad and being in the top 11 also goes to show that they are at least somewhat familiar.” Clearly, some are paying attention, so why are the USWNT players left out? She continues to say “So, it’s definitely a question mark for me. Whoever finalized this list should have a second look because it’s not okay. Especially when the US is ranked number one, just won the Olympics, and has been very consistent this year. It’s really upsetting because we have such great players who deserve to be on the best 11.”

Krieger’s frustration is shared by many, especially since the USWNT had a phenomenal year. They won the Paris Olympics, dominating the SheBelieves Cup, and showcasing consistency. The voting process for the FIFPRO World 11 had over 7000 women’s footballers picking peers based on performances between August 2023 and August 2024. To qualify, players had to feature in at least 20 official matches during this period. Yet, even with stellar performances, none from the USWNT made the cut.

What more can the USWNT do to earn the recognition they deserve? Was this the first time?

Not the first time: USWNT’s star defender faces another snub

It’s become a recurring theme: USWNT stars, despite stellar performances, continue to be overlooked in major rankings. Take Naomi Girma, for example. After an outstanding year with both the USWNT and San Diego Wave, the talented defender was snubbed in the Ballon d’Or nominations earlier this year. She didn’t even make the top 30, despite her consistent brilliance on the field.

USWNT coach Emma Hayes acknowledged the systemic issues at play. “we could sit here all day and say Naomi Girma should be there, which she should” Hayes said, pointing out that these ongoing gaps reflect bigger challenges in women’s football. A lack of visibility for players in leagues like the NWSL. Also, the limited scope of the voting process contributes to the consistent omission of USWNT stars.

Will things ever change? Should there be a better system to ensure players in leagues like the NWSL get the recognition they deserve?