Who is Sophia Smith, the only American nominee for the Ballon d’Or 2023?
A regular goalscorer for the Portland Thorns and the United States women’s national team, Sophia Smith is the only American on the shortlist for the 2023 Ballon d’Or Féminin, which is to be presented in Paris on Monday.
Aitana Bonmatí is the frontrunner to take France Football’s world-player-of-the-year prize, after she starred in Barcelona’s 2022/23 Champions League win and Spain’s triumph at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Smith’s chances, on the other hand, are hurt by the USWNT’s disappointing campaign in Australia and New Zealand, where the Stars and Stripes failed to reach the World Cup semi-finals for the first time in their History.
Smith opens World Cup account - but misses penalty
ComPeting at the tournament for the first time in her career, Smith was among the States’ few bright spots down under, scoring two goals and setting up another in the team’s 3-0 opening win over Vietnam.
However, Smith could not prevent the USWNT from suffering a surprise last-16 exit at the hands of Sweden; indeed, she was one of three Americans players who missed from the spot as the Scandinavians triumphed on penalties.
A USWNT player since 2020, Smith has scored 14 times in 35 international caps, helping the team to the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship. The forward was also involved in the US’ SheBelieves Cup victories in 2021 and 2022.
An NWSL winner and MVP with Thorns
At club level, Smith is a stand-out talent for National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team the Portland Thorns, who drafted her from the Stanford Cardinals in 2020.
The Coloradan played a key role in the Thorns’ 2022 NWSL title win, scooping the season’s Most Valuable Player award.
One of Portland’s goalscorers in a 2-0 victory over the Kansas City Current in the 2022 NWSL final last October, she also claimed the championship Game’s MVP award.
Having scored 14 league goals for the Thorns in the 2022 season, Smith has hit 11 more in 2023 for the Oregon franchise, who are to face NJ/NY Gothan FC in the semi-finals of the NWSL playoffs in November.
In all, Smith has netted 33 goals in 59 NWSL games for Portland.
Ballon d’Or gala: when, where, how to watch?
The 2023 Ballon d’Or gala is to take place at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France, on Monday 30 October 2023. The red carPet is scheduled to begin at 2pm ET/11am PT, while the ceremony itself is expected to get underway at 3:45pm ET/12:45pm PT.
Viewers in the United States will be able to enjoy the event on the streaming service Paramount+.
In addition to the men’s and women’s Ballons d’Or, a number of other awards are to be presented at the gala. They include the Kopa Trophy, for the best under-21 men’s player, and the Yashin Trophy, for the best men’s goalkeeper.
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