Sophia Smith was the only U.S. women’s national team player and one of just two NWSL players on the 30-woman shortlist for the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
France Football released its list of nominees on Wednesday, with the winner to be announced at a ceremony in Paris on October 30.
Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas has won the award two straight times, and her international and club teammate Aitana Bonmatí is the heavy favorite to succeed her this year. Bonmatí led Barcelona to a domestic title and the Champions League, and also won the World Cup with Spain, taking home the Golden Ball as the tournament’s top player.
After Catarina Macario, Alex Morgan, and Trinity Rodman all made the 20-player shortlist last year, Smith is the only USWNT player nominated this time around, after she won the NWSL MVP with the Portland Thorns and U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year in 2022.
Kansas City Current and Brazil star Debinha is the only other NWSL player on this year’s 30-player shortlist.
Here is the full list of the 2023 Ballon d’Or nominees.