Why NWSL and USWNT players in The Best FIFA Awards prove their global significance | OneFootball

The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 once again drove home the point that neither the NWSL nor the USWNT is irrelevant on the international stage, as far as women's soccer is concerned. From Best Player to Best Goalkeeper and onto the FIFPRO Women's World 11, representatives from the American league still keep it as one of the driving forces in the sport.

The role of the NWSL goes far beyond being a domestic league. Players like Marta and Banda show how the competition acts as a catalyst for international careers. Both excel not just with their innate talent but also with their ability to lead on the field and inspire future generations.

Marta: The eternal queen

At 38, Marta is still a force in soccer, and for the Orlando Pride, the Brazilian icon keeps her technical brilliance, as well as her competitive drive. Her goal nominated for the FIFA Marta Award showed that even after decades at the top, she is a game-changer. For the NWSL, where she plays her club football, she is a treasure-the thread that weaves talent and legacy together.

Barbra Banda: The new powerhouse

Banda, also with the Orlando Pride, has quickly established herself as one of the league's best. Scoring 12 goals in 12 matches during the NWSL's 2024 season, within the award's eligibility period, she exemplifies both consistency and game-breaking skill. A nomination for FIFA's Best Player award confirms her influence extends far beyond the league.

The strength of the goalkeepers

For goalkeepers, Alyssa Naeher and Ann-Katrin Berger cannot be missed in the list of top NWSL performers and have been nominated for FIFA's Best Goalkeeper award.

Naeher was an important part of U.S. success in 2024, especially at the Paris Olympics. She did not concede a single goal in the knockout stages and saved three penalties in the Concacaf Gold Cup semifinals-before stepping up to score one herself. With this being her fourth nomination, consistency has cemented Naeher's status as one of the best of her generation, and she remains a strong contender for the top honor.

The German representative, Berger, had a great year in the NWSL with NJ/NY Gotham FC. A bronze medalist at the Olympics, she brings lightning-fast reflexes combined with outstanding game awareness to further show how the NWSL attracts and elevates international talent.

USWNT players are the heart of American soccer.

While Lindsey Horan is not currently playing in the NWSL, instead for Lyon, she has an important role to play with the USWNT. The winning goal by Horan in the Olympic final underlined the blend of consistency and experience that keeps the U.S. at the pinnacle of women's soccer. Players like her show how the USWNT keeps inspiring, even against growing global competition.

The roster of nominees is completed by athletes like Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, Naomi Girma, and Sophia Smith, who bring both youth and impact to the table. Rodman shined with one of the most iconic goals of the Olympics, earning her a nomination for the FIFA Marta Award, while Girma's defensive stability and Smith's knack for decisive plays show the future of the national team is in good hands.

NWSL's international competitiveness The number of the league's representatives among nominees is no accident. The league found its sweet spot between heated battles and the possibility to progress. International stars-like Marta and Banda-get the stage in the NWSL, and American players, accordingly, use the league to achieve success internationally.

This diverse environment lets players from all backgrounds develop their skills, raising the technical and tactical level of women's soccer worldwide. The NWSL not only feeds the USWNT pipeline, but it also boosts the careers of international players.

The challenge from Europe

Despite the weighty names in the NWSL, the favorites for The Best 2024 are European stars. Aitana Bonmatí, with her nearly flawless season, leads the pack, followed by her Barcelona teammate Caroline Graham Hansen. The recent dominance of Europe in major competitions puts the NWSL players at a disadvantage in the individual awards race.

However, the recognition of NWSL and USWNT players highlights that the league’s influence transcends trophies. These nominations underscore the importance of investing in strong domestic leagues that provide opportunities for players worldwide.