The 2026 Ballon d’Or saw just one American nominated for the title of best player in the world: Rose Lavelle, who ultimately finished 27th in the women’s voting.
The U.S. women’s national team star midfielder was included on the 30-player shortlist for the annual Ballon d’Or Féminin, the most prestigious individual honor in the women’s game, after leading club side Gotham FC to the 2025 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) title match. She even scored the game-winner in the 80th minute against bitter rivals Washington Spirit.
