USWNT stars Sophia Smith and Naomi Girma among five nominees for prestigious BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award alongside Ballon d'Or front-runner Aitana Bonmati

Smith and Girma played crucial roles for Emma Hayes' U.S. side as it triumphed at Paris 2024, beating Brazil 1-0 in the gold medal match, and have earned themselves nominations for this prestigious individual accolade as a result. Smith's bid to win the award is bolstered by a particularly strong NWSL season, with her 11 goals in 17 games helping the Portland Thorns to stay in contention for a playoff spot.

Also representing the NWSL on the shortlist is Barbra Banda, whose goals helped fire the Orlando Pride to a first ever Shield win and just a second playoff spot. The striker starred at the Olympics as well, scoring four goals in three games despite Zambia's group stage elimination.

Rounding off the shortlist are two Barcelona stars, in Aitana Bonmati and Caroline Graham Hansen. Both played hugely significant roles as the Catalans won a historic quadruple in 2023-24, including a third Champions League title. Bonmati is the current holder of the Ballon d'Or and it is anticipated that she will win that award again on October 28, with Graham Hansen expected to be on the podium for the first time.

The BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year is decided by a public vote, which is now open on the BBC website. It will close on October 28, with the winner revealed on November 26.