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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="footballco-bet-betsense">{"type":"footballco-bet-betsense","data":{}}</script><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><ul><li>USWNT duo Smith &amp; Girma up for BBC award</li><li>Barca star Bonmati also on five-woman shortlist</li><li>Winner to be decided by public vote</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_d6e1e5da-7d9a-43d5-97e1-f4350a3cd7e3"}}</script>

USWNT stars Sophia Smith and Naomi Girma among five nominees for prestigious BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award alongside Ballon d'Or front-runner Aitana Bonmati

<p><a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/uswnt-new-generation-olympics-gold-medal/blt40160fbf2240a0b2" target="_blank">Smith and Girma played crucial roles for Emma Hayes' U.S. side as it triumphed at Paris 2024</a>, beating Brazil 1-0 in the gold medal match, and have earned themselves nominations for this prestigious individual accolade as a result. Smith's bid to win the award is bolstered by a particularly strong NWSL season, with her 11 goals in 17 games helping the Portland Thorns to stay in contention for a playoff spot.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Also representing the NWSL on the shortlist is Barbra Banda, whose goals helped fire the Orlando Pride to a first ever Shield win and just a second playoff spot. The striker starred at the Olympics as well, scoring four goals in three games despite Zambia's group stage elimination.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Rounding off the shortlist are two Barcelona stars, in Aitana Bonmati and Caroline Graham Hansen. Both played hugely significant roles as the Catalans won a historic quadruple in 2023-24, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/barcelona-aitana-bonma-league-of-their-own-winners-losers-quadruple-lyon-womens-champions-league-final/blt3dd75d360dff3543" target="_blank">including a third Champions League title</a>. Bonmati is the current holder of the Ballon d'Or and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/womens-ballon-dor-2024-power-rankings/blt5e747293a9709c03" target="_blank">it is anticipated that she will win that award again on October 28, with Graham Hansen expected to be on the podium for the first time</a>.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>The BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year is decided by a public vote, which is now open on the BBC website. It will close on October 28, with the winner revealed on November 26.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

USWNT stars Sophia Smith and Naomi Girma among five nominees for prestigious BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award alongside Ballon d'Or front-runner Aitana Bonmati | Goal.com US

USWNT stars and Olympic gold medalists Sophia Smith and Naomi Girma are among five nominees for this year&apos;s BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award.

USWNT stars Sophia Smith and Naomi Girma among five nominees for prestigious BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award alongside Ballon d&apos;Or front-runner Aitana Bonmati