Emma Hayes Wins Ballon d'Or Women's Coach of the Year Award
"As we all know, football is a team game and I’m very grateful to have led some amazing teams this year"
United States Women’s National Team head coach Emma Hayes won the inaugural Ballon d’Or Women’s Coach of the Year award.
Hayes took over the U.S. Women’s National Team in May of 2024 after leading Chelsea FC to the Women’s Super League title in England and then started her new job just days after lifting that trophy. She led the U.S. to Olympic gold, winning all six matches the USWNT played. Hayes currently has a record of 11-0-1 as head coach of the USWNT.
“It’s an absolute honor to be recognized for the achievements with both the U.S. Women’s National Team and Chelsea,” said Hayes. “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.”
Additionally, the USWNT also saw nominations for the Women’s Ballon d’Or. Sophia Smith finished fourth in the voting, Lindsey Horan fifth, Mallory Swanson finished seventh and Trinity Rodman eighth while goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher finished 17th in the final voting.
The USWNT returns to play on Wednesday as it faces Argentina in a friendly.