Emma Hayes wins 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or award

U.S. women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes has earned his biggest achievement yet in her career.

Hayes was named the 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or winner as the Women’s Soccer Coach of the Year. The English-born manager officially took over as USWNT head coach earlier this year, leading the Americans to a Gold Medal finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Hayes led WSL side Chelsea to the league title prior to her move to the United States for the first international coaching gig of her career. 2024 marks the first year that France Football has given out awards to coaches of men’s and women’s soccer.

“It’s an absolute honor to be recognized for the achievements with both the U.S. Women’s National Team and Chelsea,” said Hayes. “I just want to say a big thank you to all the staff and players from both teams and I have some special praise for the other nominees. They are exceptional coaches and I’m proud to be in the same company as them. As we all know, football is a team game and I’m very grateful to have led some amazing teams this year, so this award is for everyone who has been a part of the U.S. team and Chelsea.”

Five USWNT players were named to the 30-player shortlist for the 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or. Sophia Smith finished fourth in the voting, Lindsey Horan finished fifth, Mallory Swanson finished seventh and Trinity Rodman was eighth. Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher finished 17th in the final voting.

Hayes’ early achievements with the USWNT helped the program move back up to the No. 1 FIFA Women’s Ranking. She has yet to suffer defeat in her new role as USWNT head coach, most recently watching the Americans defeat Iceland twice in a pair of home friendlies this month.

The USWNT will close out their three-match window this week against Argentina.