Earlier this month, on September 4, the Ballon d’Or nominees were announced by the French Football Magazine. It’s a prestigious award given to a player with outstanding ability and impact throughout their season. Previously, it was an award for players in Europe, but it became open in 2007 for players worldwide to be nominated. As many attested, the first person who came to mind as a nominee and a potential winner was USWNT and San Diego Wave player Naomi Girma. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for the deciders of the Ballon d’Or nominees, as Girma was nowhere to be found.
Many took to Twitter to share their frustration with the absence of the seemingly obvious choice of Girma.
Not having Naomi Girma for Ballon d’Or is a historic travesty. For me, she’s the best player in the world. And if she’s not, *at least* she’s 100% without a doubt the best defender walking earth.
— Michele Giannone (@MicheleG3) September 4, 2024
The hosts of Attacking Third: Women’s Sports Podcast [Lisa Carlin, Darian Jenkins, Sandra Herrera, Christine Cupo, and Aaron West ] are quoted as saying, “The biggest name missing…Naomi Girma. Where the heck is she? Girma belongs on this list. She is the best defender in the world. How do you omit her from the Ballon…
