In a pointed critique, United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) head coach Emma Hayes has taken aim at the organizers of soccer’s prestigious Ballon d’Or awards, lambasting their decision to hold the ceremony during a designated FIFA international window for women’s matches. The timing, Hayes argues, effectively excludes many of the sport’s top female athletes and coaches from attending, an oversight she views as a glaring sign of disrespect.
Speaking from Louisville, Kentucky, where the USWNT is preparing to face Argentina, Hayes pulled no punches in her assessment of the situation. “I mean, it’d be like running an Oscars or a Golden Globes, without having any females present,” she quipped, underlining the absurdity of the scheduling conflict. “It just wouldn’t happen. And I think that all too often it’s an afterthought, to be honest with you.”
A Bittersweet Honor
Hayes, who made history by becoming the inaugural recipient of the Ballon d’Or for best women’s coach, expressed mixed emotions about the accolade. While deeply honored by the recognition, she lamented being unable to accept the award in person alongside her peers from the men’s game. “For those players and coaches, it is the one industry moment they get recognized,” Hayes noted, “and it’s disappointing.”
The Chelsea coach revealed that she had raised the issue with Ballon d’Or organizers, who assured her that changes would be forthcoming in future editions of the event. “Let’s hope that is the case,” Hayes added, tempering her optimism with a dose of well-earned skepticism.
Giving Credit Where It’s Due
Despite the controversy, Hayes was quick to deflect praise, attributing her success to the talent and dedication of her players, both at club level with Chelsea and on the international stage with the USWNT. “We are only as good as our players,” she emphasized. “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.”
“For that, I’m really, really thankful.”
Emma Hayes on her players
A Call for Greater Accessibility
Looking beyond her personal achievement, Hayes stressed the need for women’s soccer to become more accessible to a wider audience. She playfully alluded to the Ballon d’Or’s omission of USWNT defender Naomi Girma from the shortlist, hailing her as “the best defender I’ve ever seen” during the team’s triumphant Olympic campaign.
The coach’s message was clear: while progress has been made, there is still significant room for improvement in how the women’s game is valued and promoted. “Yes, we could sit here all day and say Naomi Girma should be there — which she should — so for that reason, we’re still not getting all of those things right in the women’s game.”
A Beacon of Pride
Notwithstanding the Ballon d’Or’s shortcomings, Hayes maintained that the recognition bestowed upon her players on the global stage was a source of immense pride for the USWNT. “Recognizing the talent of our players on the world stage is something that I know our players are extremely proud of,” she affirmed, “so really good all round for us.”
As the USWNT gears up for its clash with Argentina, Hayes’ comments serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges that persist in the quest for true equality in soccer. While the Ballon d’Or’s timing may have struck a discordant note, the coach’s unwavering commitment to her players and the growth of the women’s game offers a resounding counterpoint, one that will undoubtedly continue to inspire and drive change in the years to come.
