Jeff Kassouf Oct 26, 2026, 06:24 AM ET

Close

Jeff Kassouf covers women's soccer for ESPN, focusing on the USWNT and NWSL. In 2009, he founded The Equalizer, a women's soccer news outlet, and he previously won a Sports Emmy at NBC Sports and Olympics.

U.S. women's national team midfielder Rose Lavelle laughed when reminded that she is the only U.S. international on the 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or Féminin. "I always feel really lucky with the wealth of talent that I've been able to play with in this country, both on the national team and in the club environment," Lavelle told ESPN during the most recent USWNT training camp earlier this month, deflecting the praise that comes with the best player award.

Lavelle deserves her place on the list after a standout year with the USWNT and with Gotham FC , including the winning goal in the 2025 NWSL Championship.…