Lindsey Horan Celebrates USWNT Nominations Amid FIFA Best Awards Buzz
When it comes to the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), pride and passion are always at the forefront. This week, captain Lindsey Horan made it clear just how much it means to her to see six of her teammates, including herself, nominated for the prestigious FIFA Best awards. These nominations, she said, are a testament to the “world-class performances” the team has delivered on the global stage.
Horan, along with teammates Naomi Girma, Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith, and Trinity Rodman, were nominated for Best Women’s Player, while Alyssa Naeher earned a nod for Best Women’s Goalkeeper. For Horan, this recognition feels long overdue.
“I think that’s [six players receiving nominations] the biggest thing for me,” Horan shared during a Friday news conference. “I think a lot of the times you don’t see a lot of U.S. players involved in that, and I think looking at the Ballon d’Or nominations, I was really happy because I’m like, it just hasn’t been like that. We haven’t had a lot of players in there, and I would always ask why.”
She continued, “I think we’ve had some world-class performances, not just in the Olympics, but in NWSL as well from those players that were nominated, and I’m so proud of my teammates as well that are nominated in this. Obviously, it is always an honor for me to be in that mix and with some of the best players in the world.”
USWNT vs. England: A Clash of Titans
The timing of these nominations couldn’t be more perfect as the USWNT gears up for a high-stakes international friendly against reigning European champions England on Saturday at Wembley Stadium. This match is more than just a friendly—it’s a showcase of two of the world’s top teams, and the excitement is palpable.
England defender Lucy Bronze has already praised the budding rivalry between the two sides, while Horan believes this is exactly the kind of environment where the USWNT thrives.
“I don’t know if rivalry is the right word, but you get to face a top opponent, and I think now in the women’s game, there’s no easy game,” Horan said. “Even coming off the last camp that we had, the teams that we played had such difficulty for us in certain scenarios. So now we’ve got to go play against England in a world-class stadium and legendary stadium. I think that’s just the tip for us. I mean, it’s incredible.”
Why This Match Matters
For Horan and her teammates, playing at Wembley is more than just another game—it’s a moment to savor. “I think my message to the players was this is a chance of a lifetime,” she said. “Obviously in women’s football we’re getting more and more of these opportunities, but you’re going to play at Wembley against England. You shouldn’t have to get yourself motivated for that.”
She added, “I think the opportunity to come into a camp like this and even step out and see a stadium like that, I think that is such a special thing for me and I hope that the team as well. So I hope there’s not much motivation needed there.”
Emma Hayes’ Impact on the USWNT
Horan also took a moment to praise the leadership of head coach Emma Hayes, who has been at the helm for six months. Hayes, the former Chelsea manager, has already made a significant impact on the team, according to Horan.
“I’m not just blowing smoke right now,” Horan joked. “I think for us going into the Olympics, the poise, the calmness, the confidence that we have had and still have is directly related to how our manager is and how she is on the sideline and how she is in meetings.”
She continued, “I have a lot of respect for that because it gives me calmness. It gives us poise, it gives us the confidence to go and do our thing and know that we can. I think it’s really, really special with a leader. I think you have just a little bit of time to prepare for an Olympics and to be in these camps, and the teachable moments are so crucial.”
Looking Ahead
As the USWNT prepares for this marquee matchup, Horan reflected on the growth of the team, both individually and collectively. “I, as a veteran, I’m not going to say my age, I’m still learning and I’m growing as a player, and I think that’s the coolest thing for me,” she said. “So think of all these young players coming in and into this environment and going into these games as well.”
With six FIFA Best nominations, a world-class coach, and a showdown at Wembley on the horizon, the USWNT is proving once again why they’re one of the most exciting teams in women’s soccer. Saturday’s game promises to be a must-watch event, and fans around the world will be tuning in to see if the U.S. can rise to the occasion against one of their fiercest competitors.
Originally Written by: Emily Keogh
