Rapinoe is correct that it's belittling

It makes it look like there is a dearth of top talent in womens soccer around the globe, which there is NOT. Honestly Carli Lloyd shouldn't have been on the short list either, but I do agree with giving the award to Lieke Martens. She led her team against Denmark in what was easily one of the best international games of the year (guys or ladies), a back and forth match 4-2 in the Euros finals.

What is surprising is that Castellanos didn't do anything...at all. She was best remembered for a half-line goal in a tournament where Venezuela finished 4th. And indeed she plays well for FSU women's soccer, but hardly worth a POY nominee. That would be like if Jimmy Clausen was on the short list for the Heisman in 2007 for his high school efforts.

Rapinoe is right, it is belittling, but not because Rapinoe thinks she was more deserving. But instead, it seems like a wonder goal is all it takes to be the best women's player of the year. IMHO I thought Nadia Nadim would be a POY candidate for sure for leading minnows Denmark to the champs in Euros and then dominating NWSL all year for the Thorns.