Jack Gruber-Imagn Images
United States women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes was named the world’s best women’s soccer coach on Monday at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. Hayes guided Chelsea FC to a fifth straight English Women’s Super League title earlier this year before immediately transitioning to coach of the U.S. and winning the Olympic gold medal.
The award is the first given out to coaches by the Ballon d’Or, which has honored the best men’s soccer player since 1956 and the best women’s player since 2018.
“It’s an absolute honor to be recognized for the achievements with both the U.S. women’s national team and Chelsea,” Hayes said. “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 U.S. women’s national team players were named to the 30-player shortlist for the 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or. Forward Sophia Smith finished fourth in the voting, while midfielder Lindsey Horan was fifth, forward Mallory Swanson finished sixth, and forward Trinity Rodman was ninth. U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher finished 17th in the final voting.
Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati won the Ballon d’Or for the second consecutive year.
Hayes was on the sidelines for only four friendly matches with the U.S. prior to the Olympics. She was hired by U.S. Soccer in November 2023 but the parties agreed to let her finish the European season with Chelsea. The U.S.’ gold-medal victory, a 1-0 win over Brazil that was clinched by Swanson’s goal, was only Hayes’ 10th in charge.
Hayes also won the 2021 FIFA Best Coach award while at Chelsea.
