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The hype of football in the world is truly unmatchable. Even the women’s football is spreading excitement all over the world. The nominees for the 2024 FIFA Ballon d’Or have been announced after another incredible year. Women footballers have truly showcased their excellence. Let’s dive into the list and explore the standout female nominees for this prestigious award.
Female Nominees for the Ballon d’Or 2024:
The Ballon d’Or Féminin is still a relatively new award in football, but the 2024 shortlist has been revealed. Barcelona dominated the 2023-24 European season, winning all four trophies, including the Champions League after defeating Lyon. Despite their success, Spain’s World Cup winners fell short at the Olympics, finishing fourth, while the United States, led by new coach Emma Hayes, won gold.
Key contenders for the Ballon d’Or Féminin include Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí, who aims to defend her title, and team-mate Caroline Graham Hansen. Sophia Smith, crucial in the USWNT’s Olympic victory and outstanding in the NWSL with Portland Thorns, is also a strong candidate. The winner will be announced at the ceremony on October 28.
Lauren Hemp(Man City): Lauren Hemp is a nominee for the women’s Ballon d’Or. She had a standout season with 21 goal contributions in 27 appearances, earning a spot in the PFA WSL Team of the Year for the third time in four years. Hemp played a key role in Manchester City’s success, scoring in two of their three wins over Manchester United last season.
The England international consistently delivered crucial moments for her team. Her standout performance came in a tough 2-1 victory over Aston Villa in December 2023, where she provided the inspiration needed for her team. Hemp’s ability to make an impact in important matches highlights her impressive campaign.
Trinity Rodman(Washington Spirit): Trinity Rodman, star forward for Washington Spirit, has been nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. At 22 years old, this is her second nomination in just three years, making her the Spirit’s second player to receive this honor after Rose Lavelle in 2019.
Rodman played a crucial role in the USWNT’s successful bid for Olympic gold, marking their first win since 2012. In her second major tournament, she started all six matches, scoring three goals. Her decisive extra-time goal in the quarterfinal against Japan was a standout moment, underscoring her importance to the team’s triumph.
Barbara Banda Shanghai(Shanghai RCB/Orlando Pride): Barbra Banda has earned a spot on the 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or shortlist. In 14 NWSL matches this season, Banda has scored 12 goals, placing her second in the league’s top scorers. She is just one goal shy of tying the Pride’s record for most goals in a single season.
Banda also made history by becoming the first player in NWSL history to score 10 goals in just 10 appearances. She joins Marta as only the second player in Pride history to score 10 or more goals in a season, with Marta having achieved 13 goals in 2017.
Tarciane Lime(Houston Dash): The nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or Féminin have been announced, featuring Houston Dash’s own Tarciane Lima. The Brazilian defender recently played a key role in Brazil’s silver medal finish at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. She also contributed three goals in the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup and helped Brazil secure third place in the 2024 SheBelieves Cup.
Lima is among six NWSL players nominated this year. Other nominees include Barbra Banda of the Orlando Pride, Mallory Swanson of the Chicago Red Stars, and Trinity Rodman of the Washington Spirit. Joining them are three USWNT players who won gold at the Olympics: Sophia Smith, Lindsey Horan, and Alyssa Naeher.
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Manuela Giugliano(Roma): Manuela Giugliano has made history with her nomination for the 2024 Ballon d’Or Féminin. She is the first Roma player to be included in this prestigious list and the first Italian woman to achieve this honor.
Giugliano’s nomination highlights her exceptional talent, underscoring her significant impact on the field. Wearing the iconic number 10 for Roma, a number traditionally associated with the greatest players, she has clearly lived up to that legacy.
Mallory Swanson(Chicago Red Stars): Mallory Swanson was instrumental in the USWNT’s Olympic success, scoring 10 of the team’s 12 goals. Her contributions were crucial throughout the tournament, especially in the knockout stage.
In three consecutive 1-0 victories, Swanson scored the decisive goal in each match. Her clutch performances led the USWNT to their first Olympic gold medal since 2012.
Glodis Viggosdottir(Bayern Munich): Glódís is the first Icelander ever nominated for the Ballon d’Or. She has had an exceptional year, leading both Bayern Munich and the Icelandic national team as captain.
She played a crucial role in Bayern Munich’s German championship win and was instrumental in Iceland’s qualification for the Euros. Notably, she helped secure a significant victory over Germany.
Mariona Caldentey(Barcelona/Arsenal): Arsenal Women’s acquisition of Ballon d’Or nominee Mariona Caldentey on a free transfer is remarkable. Caldentey, eager for a new challenge, made an immediate impact by setting up Caitlin Foord with a brilliant cross. This assist helped Arsenal secure a 6-0 victory.
In her first competitive game in Europe for Arsenal, Caldentey performed impressively. She, alongside Katie McCabe, turned Arsenal’s left wing into a formidable force. As anticipated before the Arsenal versus Rangers clash, she and Rosa Kafaji proved to be key players in the Champions League qualifiers.
Lauren James(Chelsea): England internationals Lauren Hemp and Keira Walsh have been nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or Féminin. Hemp had an outstanding season, contributing significantly to her team’s success.
Keira Walsh was recognized as the Player of the Season for Chelsea, who won the WSL. She scored 16 goals across all competitions, showcasing her exceptional performance for the Blues.
Patricia Guijarro(Barcelona): Patricia Guijarro is the top scorer of the 2023/24 Liga F, is among the nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Her exceptional performance in the league, including earning a Player of the Match award, played a key role in securing her team’s fourth league title.
Her impressive season also contributed to her achieving eighth place in the 2023 Ballon d’Or voting. Her consistent excellence with the Blaugranes has solidified her status as a leading candidate for this prestigious award.
Lea Schuller(Bayern Munich): Lea Schüller, often overlooked in Ballon d’Or considerations, has earned her spot on the 2024 shortlist. Her significant contribution to Germany’s bronze medal at the Olympics, including three goals and a crucial strike for qualification, highlights her impressive year.
In addition to her international success, Schüller had a standout 2023-24 season with Bayern Munich. She finished as the club’s top scorer, playing a key role in their Frauen Bundesliga victory. Her achievements make her a deserving nominee for this prestigious award.
Gabi Portilho(Corinthians): Gabi Portilho has secured her place on the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist. The Brazilian international has become a key player for Corinthians, earning 26 caps for her country.
Portilho played a crucial role in Brazil’s journey to the Olympics final, where they finished with a silver medal. Her standout performances throughout the year have rightfully earned her this nomination.
Tabiyha Chawings(PSG): Tabitha Chawinga has been shortlisted for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, making her the first Malawian to achieve this honor. Her inclusion highlights her status as one of the top female footballers in the world.
Chawinga has had an impressive year, winning the French league and cup double. She was also named to the UEFA Women’s Champions League Squad of the Season and received individual accolades like the African Women’s Footballer of the Year.
Caroline Graham Hansen(Barcelona): Caroline Graham Hansen’s previous absence from the Ballon d’Or nominations remains a mystery, but it has now been addressed. The Norwegian star was exceptional during the 2023-24 season, delivering outstanding performances throughout Europe.
Hansen’s statistics were remarkable, with 33 goals and 26 assists last season. Her impressive display in the Champions League Final is likely to be memorable for the judges and contributed to her nomination.
Lindsey Horan(Lyon): Lindsey Horan has been shortlisted for the 2024 Ballon d’Or after a standout 2023-24 season with Lyon. She played a key role in leading her team to the Champions League final and captained the U.S. team to Olympic gold. Her exceptional year could make her a strong contender for the award.
Sophia Smith, also nominated, had a significant impact in Paris, which might boost her chances. Both players have had impressive performances that could influence the final outcome of this year’s Ballon d’Or.
Lucy Bronze(Barcelona/Chelsea): Bronze joined the Blues this summer and earned a Ballon d’Or nomination following an outstanding 2023/24 season with Barcelona. During that time, she won the Spanish league title and the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Her nomination highlights not only her personal achievements but also the recognition of exceptional performances across the season. This reflects the broader acknowledgment of players’ contributions in top competitions.
Yui Hasegawa(Man City): Yui Hasegawa has been named to the 30-player shortlist for the prestigious Ballon d’Or. Renowned as one of the best midfielders globally, Hasegawa had another standout season with City, matching her impressive debut campaign.
She maintained her place in the PFA WSL Team of the Year, making 30 appearances across all competitions. Only Chloe Kelly and Mary Fowler matched her number of appearances for Gareth Taylor’s team, further highlighting her exceptional performance this year.
Ada Hegerberg(Lyon): Ada Hegerberg has been named to the 30-player shortlist for the prestigious Ballon d’Or. The Norwegian forward had a standout season with Lyon, scoring 20 goals in 25 matches across all competitions.
Hegerberg was also highly effective in the Nations League, adding four more goals in three games for her country. Her impressive scoring rate of 1.29 goals per 90 minutes in France’s Division 1 highlights her prolific form over the past season.
Sjoeke Nusken(Chelsea): Nusken has made the 30-player shortlist for the Ballon d’Or, one of football’s highest honors. After joining Chelsea from Eintracht Frankfurt for the 2023-24 season, she had an outstanding year.
The Germany international scored 12 goals across all competitions, including a notable brace in a Champions League quarter-final against Ajax. She also played a key role in Chelsea’s triumph in the Women’s Super League.
Aitana Bonmati(Barcelona): Aitana Bonmatí has been named on the 30-player shortlist for the prestigious Ballon d’Or. The midfielder played a crucial role in Barcelona’s historic achievement of winning four major titles in a single season.
Bonmatí was recognized as the Most Valuable Player in both the Champions League final and the tournament overall. Additionally, she was a key player for Spain in their victory at the inaugural Women’s Nations League.
Alex Putellas(Barcelona): Alexia Putellas has been included on the 30-player shortlist for the Ballon d’Or. Despite facing injury issues and competition for starting spots at Barcelona, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner made a significant impact last season.
Putellas scored a brilliant goal in the Champions League final, securing victory for Barcelona. She was also Spain’s standout player at the Olympics, despite a disappointing tournament for the team.
Grace Geyoro(PSG): Grace Geyoro has made the Ballon d’Or top 30 shortlist for the first time in her career. She joined Paris Saint-Germain at 15 in 2012 and has been with the club since. This season, Geyoro had a standout year, playing 37 matches and scoring 15 goals. She led PSG to the Champions League semifinals, and the French D1 Championship final, and won the Coupe de France for the third time.
On the international stage, Geyoro earned her first senior cap for France in January 2017 and has since played 87 matches, scoring 17 goals. She is now the vice-captain of the French national team.
Khadija Shaw(Man City): Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw has been named among the top 30 players for the prestigious Ballon d’Or. The Jamaican forward had a standout season, winning the WSL Golden Boot with 21 goals in 18 games. She also set a new club record with a goal against Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium in March 2024.
Shaw’s speed, aerial skills, and finishing ability made her a key player for City. She was included in the PFA WSL Team of the Year for 2023/24 and received individual honors such as the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and the FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year.
Salma Pralluelo(Barcelona): Salma Paralluelo has made the 30-player shortlist for the Ballon d’Or, a top honor in football. Her standout performances at last summer’s World Cup brought her significant attention, and she achieved a third-place finish in the Ballon d’Or voting.
This season, Paralluelo continued to impress with Barcelona, finishing as the runner-up in the Liga F Golden Boot race. Her strong performances have solidified her reputation as one of football’s top talents.
Ewa Pajor(Wolfsburg/Barcelona): Polish striker Ewa Pajor has been nominated for the Ballon d’Or once again. Pajor made a significant impact during her time at Wolfsburg, becoming one of Europe’s most clinical strikers.
Last season, she scored 18 goals in 19 games and provided six assists. Her impressive performance earned her a move to Barcelona, further solidifying her status as a top player in European football.
Sophie Smith(Portland Thorns): Sophia Smith is a nominee for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, one of soccer’s highest honors. The Portland Thorns forward played a key role in helping the U.S. Women’s National Team win gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, scoring three goals and adding an assist.
In the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) this season, Smith has scored 11 goals, ranking third overall, and is tied for second with six assists. Last season, she led the NWSL in goals and guided the Thorns to a second-place finish in the regular season and a semifinal spot in the playoffs.
Marie-Antoinette Katoto(PSG): Marie-Antoinette Katoto, the club’s all-time top scorer, has been nominated for the Ballon d’Or for the first time. She made her return to the pitch on September 17, 2023, and has since played 35 matches, scoring 20 goals across all competitions.
Katoto joined the French national team in 2014, starting with the U16 squad, and debuted for the senior team in November 2018 against Brazil. She has since played 45 matches and scored 35 goals for France. This summer, she was the top scorer at the Olympic tournament with 5 goals.
Mayra Ramirez(Chelsea): Mayra Ramirez has earned a nomination for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. After joining Chelsea from Levante in January, she made an immediate impact. Before her move, she scored six goals in seven matches for the Spanish club.
At Chelsea, Ramirez contributed significantly to their WSL title win. On the final day of the season, she scored twice and provided two assists in a decisive 6-0 victory over Manchester United.
Alyssa Naeher(Chicago Red Stars): Alyssa Naeher, a Penn State women’s soccer alum and current Chicago Red Stars goalkeeper, has been nominated for the 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or. This recognition follows her key role in leading the U.S. women’s national team to their fifth gold medal. Naeher started all six matches in the 2024 Paris Olympics, making 21 saves with a .913 save percentage and conceding only two goals, none of which came in the knockout stages.
On the professional front, Naeher has been equally impressive in the NWSL, ranking in the top 10 for goals against, save percentage, and total saves this season. She has achieved three clean sheets, despite facing the fifth-most shots on target, totaling 75.
! 30 incredible stars vying for football’s top honor. #Ballon d’Or 2024 #FIFA #Women’sFootball
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