Naomi Girma’s “Snub” from Ballon d’Or List: A Snub or Out of Touch?

September 18, 2024
By Tiffani Arnold

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 d’Or?”

The disappointment stems from Girma’s widely-known impressive track record.

Let’s do a breakdown:

Naomi Girma has had a record-breaking year. She was the first defender to be named U.S. Soccer’s Female Player of the Year. Most recently, she played a major role in the USWNT Olympic win in Paris, where her impact on the field was broadcast to the world stage.

For a list of her awards, tap here. She’s an Olympic medalist, won 2022 Rookie of the Month and Year, US Soccer Player of the Year, and more. Those who get it get it. However, awards rarely account for talent and ability shown on the field or any other platform. Naomi clearly has the skill. It’s known that Naomi is a fierce defender. If anyone manages to get past her, it wouldn’t have been without a fight. We saw it in the 600 minutes played during the Summer Olympics. The proof is in her playing and the footage. Is it really an upset if only a few don’t recognize it?

🔘 #1 overall pick
🔘 2022 Rookie of the Year
🔘 2022 Defender of the Year
🔘 2023 Defender of the Year

Naomi Girma’s NWSL career is off to a historic start. 🔥 #NWSLDraft

📺 Jan. 12 | 8pmET | ION pic.twitter.com/EVPvBwfNoQ

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) January 5, 2024

In the grand scheme, awards and accolades rarely measure up to the recognition of talent. Even when it seems obvious. But numbers, statistics, and creativity do. And that’s what we’ve seen on the field with Naomi Girma. Naomi wasn’t nominated for a Ballon d’Or, but award or not, the people already know she is one of the best defenders playing right now, period.