The Timing Dilemma: U.S. Women’s National Team’s Representation in Awards Voting

Timing is crucial in all aspects of life, particularly in awards voting, such as in ESPN FC Women’s Rank.

This time of year prompts numerous inquiries regarding voting for soccer awards, with one question standing out: How does the U.S. women’s national team—winners of four World Cups, reigning Olympic champions for a record fifth time, and currently ranked No. 2 in the world—not have more representation among the elite players in year-end awards?

This question is rooted in Americentrism and reflects the ongoing Eurocentric bias within the soccer landscape. The absence of key U.S. forwards from the previous successes largely accounts for the lack of American representation in current discussions about the best players globally, including ESPN’s top 50.

Seven Americans made it onto the Women’s Rank list, yet none are in the running for the title of the world’s top player. Emily Fox, occupying the often-overlooked position of fullback, ranks as the highest American at No. 23 after playing a pivotal role in Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League victory in May. Notably, Fox also secured the highest ranking among Americans in the final Ballon d’Or voting, finishing 25th.

Why does such a talented and historically dominant team lack a player in the top five or ten of any awards, including ESPN’s top 50?

ESPN FC Women’s Rank identifies the 50 best players of 2025, chosen by a panel of coaches, general managers, and experts from around the world.

Critics may point to potential flaws and biases among voters, who often favor prominent stars and goal-scorers—categories from which the USWNT saw notable absences this year. The voting process is undeniably influenced by accessibility, with the NWSL and top European leagues being the most visible.

As a former panelist for ESPN’s list and a long-time voter for the Best FIFA award, I understand the intricacies involved. The process typically limits voting to a select group of nominees put forth by a committee. I recall voting in 2014 when, for me, Kim Little—NWSL MVP—was the best player in the world, yet she was not included on the ballot. In contrast, ESPN’s ballot allows for write-ins if the shortlist of 300 players omits deserving candidates.

Voting patterns tend to reflect the significance of major international tournaments in any given year and the countries that participate. For Americans, a World Cup or Olympics is often key to rising in these rankings. The last American to claim the Ballon d’Or was Megan Rapinoe in 2019, following her outstanding performance at the World Cup, where she won the Golden Boot, Golden Ball, and a champion’s medal.

The major international tournament last summer was the European Championship, which garnered significant global attention. While Africa and South America hosted their own championships simultaneously, they did not receive the same commercial interest, despite equally thrilling matches, such as Brazil’s dramatic 5-4 victory over Colombia in a shootout.

Consequently, it is unsurprising that Europe would dominate awards season. This dominance is starkly illustrated in FIFA’s Best XI, which consists entirely of players from Spain and England—the two finalists at Euro 2025. In ESPN FC Women’s Rank, Spain led with nine players, followed by England with eight.

However, it is important to note that this conversation is not a zero-sum game. Spain and England undoubtedly boast world-class players, particularly as Spain retains its status as the reigning World Cup champion, showcasing exceptional talent and tactical understanding.

The USWNT can also make a case for its world-class players, but the team’s transitional phase significantly influences their global rankings at present. For the first time since the inception of ESPN’s top 50 ranking, no American players made the top 20. However, the USWNT’s seven representatives are close behind England’s total. While the Americans feature world-class talent, many established players were absent, while emerging stars are still solidifying their positions.

Key forwards like Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson did not participate in any competitive games last year due to personal circumstances. Trinity Rodman, another prominent forward from the team that secured Olympic gold in 2024, faced injuries that limited her playtime. Rodman still ranks at No. 37, reflecting her impact when on the field, despite falling from her previous No. 8 ranking.

Additionally, defender Naomi Girma, heralded as one of the best defenders globally, was limited in her appearances due to calf issues, affecting her ranking in the awards. Likewise, Rose Lavelle had an impressive NWSL season but missed part of the year recovering from ankle surgery, contributing to her placement at No. 32 despite her strong performance.

The year was marked by unprecedented experimentation within the USWNT, with head coach Emma Hayes assigning 27 first caps in 30 games. The team did not participate in any official competitions in 2025, leading to significant rotation of players.

Nonetheless, standouts emerged. Alyssa Thompson’s MVP-level performance with Angel City secured her a high-profile transfer to Chelsea, earning her a spot at No. 43. Sam Coffey showcased consistent excellence for both the USWNT and the Portland Thorns and was regarded by an NWSL GM as a potential top-five Ballon d’Or candidate had she played for Spain, ranking her at No. 28.

While such hypotheticals may seem far-fetched, the timing for the USWNT is critical. The absence of key players during the recent awards voting window, coupled with the team’s experimental approach in friendly matches, cannot be overlooked.

This does not imply a lack of talent within the USWNT. With established players like Coffey, Fox, and Lavelle, alongside rising talents such as midfielder Lily Yohannes, the U.S. has world-class capabilities. It may take another standout performance at the 2027 World Cup for the global community to fully recognize and appreciate this talent.