The USWNT’s Absence in Global Soccer Awards: Understanding the Dynamics

omidbasir- Timing plays a crucial role in life, especially in the context of awards voting, such as in ESPN FC’s Women’s Rank.

As we approach awards season, questions abound regarding the voting process for soccer accolades. A pressing concern this year is: How is it that the U.S. women’s national team (USWNT)—winners of four World Cups and the reigning Olympic champions—lacks significant representation among the top players on year-end lists?

This inquiry reflects a certain Americentrism, as the current landscape is predominantly Eurocentric. The absence of key USWNT forwards from the previous seasons further elucidates why American players are not prominently featured in discussions about the world’s top talent, including in ESPN’s rankings.

Only seven Americans made the Women’s Rank list, with none positioned near the top. Emily Fox stands out as the highest-ranked American at No. 23, having played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League success. Notably, Fox was also recognized in the final Ballon d’Or voting, where she placed 25th.

The question remains: Why does such a talented and historically dominant team not have a player within the top five or ten rankings across major awards?

One might critique the voters for potential biases. Typically, voters favor prominent stars, particularly goal scorers, who were notably absent from the USWNT this year. There is an inherent bias towards accessibility; the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and top European leagues are more visible, influencing voting behavior.

As a panel member for ESPN’s list and a long-time voter for the Best FIFA award, I can attest to the complexities involved in the voting process. Typically, a committee presents a limited shortlist of names for voting, and notable players can sometimes be overlooked, as seen in my experience voting in 2014 when Kim Little, the NWSL MVP, was excluded from the ballot.

Voting dynamics often correlate with the occurrence of significant international tournaments, which heavily influence rankings. For American players, global visibility tends to peak during events like the World Cup or Olympics. The last American to win the Ballon d’Or was Megan Rapinoe in 2019, following her stellar performance at the World Cup that year.

This past summer was dominated by the European Championship, viewed as the premier tournament globally. Although Africa and South America hosted their continental championships, they did not attract the same level of attention or commercial interest. Thus, it is unsurprising that Europe would again excel during awards season, with FIFA’s Best XI comprised entirely of players from Spain and England, the finalists at Euro 2025.

ESPN FC Women’s Rank reflects this trend, showcasing Spain with nine players and England with eight on the list.

It is important to recognize that this is not a zero-sum discussion. Both Spain and England boast world-class talent, with Spain, as the reigning World Cup champion, producing players who demonstrate exceptional skill and tactical acumen.

Conversely, while the USWNT possesses significant talent, it is also undergoing a transitional period. For the first time since the inception of ESPN’s top 50 ranking, no American players made the top 20. However, the seven US players on the list closely trailing England’s total suggests a depth of talent. Many established stars were absent from the field, while emerging talents are still asserting their presence.

Key forwards such as Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson did not compete due to personal circumstances, while Trinity Rodman faced injuries, limiting their playtime and visibility. Despite ranking well in previous Ballon d’Or voting, their lack of participation significantly impacted their global recognition.

Additionally, defender Naomi Girma, heralded by USWNT head coach Emma Hayes as an exceptional talent, was also sidelined due to injuries. Rose Lavelle showcased impressive performances in the latter half of the year but missed early competitions due to recovery from surgery, impacting her ranking.

These player absences coincided with one of the most experimental years in USWNT history, with Hayes introducing numerous newcomers in her 30 matches as head coach. Notably, the team did not engage in any official competitions in 2025.

Nonetheless, there were standout performers. Forward Alyssa Thompson leveraged her successful play with Angel City into a transfer to Chelsea, earning a spot at No. 43 in our rankings. Midfielder Sam Coffey’s consistent contributions for both the USWNT and Portland Thorns suggest that she could have been among the top contenders had she played for a European club.

Despite the speculation surrounding how a player’s nationality might influence their recognition, the timing for the USWNT has been significant. The absence of the team’s most prominent stars during the awards voting period, coupled with a rotation of players in friendly matches, has shaped the current rankings.

However, this should not imply a deficiency in talent within the USWNT. With established players like Coffey, Fox, and Lavelle, alongside rising talents such as Lily Yohannes, the potential for world-class contributions remains bright. Ultimately, it may take another outstanding World Cup performance in 2027 for the global soccer community to fully appreciate the depth of talent within the USWNT.