Four USWNT Players Honored in The Best FIFA Women’s 11 Awards
Four members of the U.S. Women’s National Team have been recognized for their outstanding performances in the Best FIFA Women’s 11 awards. This prestigious honor was announced on Tuesday, with Emma Hayes receiving the title of Best FIFA Women’s Coach of the Year for 2024, and Lindsey Horan, Naomi Girma, and Alyssa Naeher being named to the Best FIFA Women’s 11.
Outstanding Achievements
Emma Hayes led the USWNT to a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics in just her 10th match as head coach. Since then, she has maintained an unbeaten record, going 15-0 to start her tenure with the team. Captain Lindsey Horan, defender Naomi Girma, and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher played vital roles in the team’s success over the past year. Naeher, in her final year representing the USWNT, was also named Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper.
Recognition and Awards
This year has been particularly remarkable for Emma Hayes, as she previously received the Ballon d’Or Women’s Coach of the Year award in October. Naomi Girma’s recognition comes after delivering an exceptional performance with the USWNT, playing every minute of the 2024 Paris Olympics. She was part of a defense that allowed only 12 goals throughout the year, with just two goals conceded during the Olympics.
Lindsey Horan, who finished the year with five goals and three assists, also had a successful season with Olympique Lyon, scoring 12 goals in 13 games. Alyssa Naeher, who announced her retirement earlier this year, concluded her final season with the USWNT with 18 starts and a record of 13-1-3. She conceded only nine goals with an impressive goals-against average of 0.47.
Words from Emma Hayes
Reflecting on her achievements, Emma Hayes expressed gratitude for the support she has received throughout the year. She thanked the players, coaches, and staff from Chelsea and the USWNT for their contributions to the team’s success. Looking ahead to 2025, Hayes is excited about continuing to work with the players and executing the team’s strategy.
She said, “It’s been an amazing year on many levels, but my overriding emotion is gratitude. I want to thank everyone who has been on this journey with us, especially the players, coaches and staff from Chelsea and the USWNT. In the middle of 2023, I never thought I would be sitting here as part of a gold medal-winning team, but I’ve loved working with the players and I’m very excited about 2025 and executing our WNT strategy. It’s going to be an exciting time for the players as we continue to build on what we accomplished in 2024.”
Looking Ahead
The USWNT will kick off the new year with the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, providing another opportunity for the team to showcase their talent and continue their success on the field.
Continued Dominance in Women’s Football
The recognition of these four USWNT players in the Best FIFA Women’s 11 awards is a testament to the continued dominance of the team in women’s football. With a history of success in major tournaments such as the Olympics and the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the USWNT has consistently showcased remarkable talent and skill on the field.
Emma Hayes, with her impressive coaching abilities, has proven to be a driving force behind the team’s recent triumphs. Her tactical acumen and leadership have been instrumental in guiding the USWNT to victory, demonstrating her prowess as one of the top coaches in women’s football.
Impactful Performances
Lindsey Horan, Naomi Girma, and Alyssa Naeher have each made significant contributions to the team’s success with their standout performances. From Horan’s leadership on the field to Girma’s solid defensive capabilities and Naeher’s exceptional goalkeeping skills, these players have been crucial in securing important wins for the USWNT.
Horan’s versatility as a midfielder has allowed her to impact the game both offensively and defensively, making her a key player in the team’s lineup. Girma’s consistency in defense has provided stability at the back, while Naeher’s shot-stopping abilities have proven to be invaluable in critical moments.
Legacy and Future of USWNT
As Alyssa Naeher prepares to retire from international football, her legacy as one of the best goalkeepers in USWNT history will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the team. Her leadership and presence on the field will be missed, but her contributions will continue to inspire future generations of goalkeepers.
Looking ahead, the USWNT remains a formidable force in women’s football, with a talented roster of players who are poised to continue the team’s legacy of success. The upcoming 2025 SheBelieves Cup will offer another opportunity for the USWNT to showcase their skills and compete against top international teams, further solidifying their status as one of the premier women’s football teams in the world.
Conclusion
The Best FIFA Women’s 11 awards have highlighted the exceptional talent and achievements of these four USWNT players, as well as the leadership of head coach Emma Hayes. With a combination of skill, determination, and teamwork, the USWNT has established itself as a powerhouse in women’s football, setting the bar high for future generations of players. As they continue to strive for excellence on the field, the USWNT’s legacy of success is sure to endure for years to come.
