Emma Hayes, head coach of the USWNT, voiced her displeasure regarding the timing of the Ballon d’Or ceremony, which coincided with an official FIFA window for women’s soccer, barring many players and coaches from attending. Hayes, who received the inaugural Ballon d’Or for best women’s coach, criticized the scheduling, comparing it to hosting the Oscars without the presence of prominent female nominees.
In remarks made from Louisville, Kentucky, on October 29, where the USWNT is preparing to play against Argentina, Hayes called the scheduling an “afterthought” and highlighted the significance of this occasion for recognizing players and coaches within women’s soccer. She mentioned that she had voiced her concerns to the Ballon d’Or organizers, who committed to avoiding conflicts with the women’s international calendar in the future.
“I mean, it’d be like running an Oscars or a Golden Globes, without having any females present,” Hayes remarked, as quoted by Jeff Kassouf of ESPN. “It just wouldn’t happen. And I think that all too often it’s an afterthought, to be honest with you … But I think for those players and coaches, it is the one industry moment they get recognized, and it’s disappointing. I did speak to the organizers about it, and they said that that is something that will be changing in the future. Let’s hope that is the case.”
Emma Hayes takes pride in the USWNT
However, Hayes expressed pride in her team, noting that the accolade reflects the exceptional quality of the players she has coached at both Chelsea and with the USWNT. Having led Chelsea to five straight Women’s Super League titles prior to her national team role, Hayes also guided the USWNT to an Olympic gold medal, attributing this success to her players’ talent and commitment.
“We are only as good as our players,” Hayes stated. “And I’ve been fortunate enough to coach some wonderful players, both at Chelsea and here with the national team, that allows the team to be able to compete at the level that they do. And for that, I’m really, really thankful.”
Hayes acknowledged fellow coaches like Brazil’s Arthur Elias and Washington Spirit’s Jonatan Giráldez as equally worthy of the best women’s coach award. The USWNT secured the Olympic gold medal by overcoming Brazil, while Giráldez led Barcelona to back-to-back Champions League titles, defeating Chelsea in the semifinals on both occasions.
This year’s Ballon d’Or introduced coaching categories for the first time, with Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti winning the men’s coaching award. The ceremony also celebrated Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmatí, who claimed her second consecutive women’s Ballon d’Or, while five USWNT players, inclusive of Sophia Smith and Lindsey Horan, were among the shortlisted nominees.
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