Why is the USWNT so low on the top 50 of ESPN FC Women's Rank?

"This time of year always produces plenty of questions around voting for soccer awards, and there's one being asked in full force this year: How is it that the U.S. women's national team -- winners of four World Cups, the reigning Olympic champions (for a record fifth time) and No. 2-ranked team in the world -- doesn't have more representation at the top of these year-end lists for best players?"

"Seven Americans made the Women's Rank list, but none within sniffing distance of the claim to being the world's top player. Emily Fox, in the oft overlooked position of fullback, is the top-ranked American at No. 23 after playing a crucial role in Arsenal's UEFA Champions League triumph in May -- a European tie-in in itself, by no coincidence. Fox was also the highest-ranked American in the final Ballon d'Or voting, where she finished 25th in the rankings."

The U.S. women's national team won four World Cups, is the reigning Olympic champion for a record fifth time, and is ranked No. 2 in the world. The team does not have players represented among the top 10 in year-end global player rankings. Eurocentric voting tendencies and timing of performances influence award recognition. Several veteran U.S. forwards were largely absent from play this year, reducing American visibility in global player conversations. Seven Americans placed on ESPN's top 50, with Emily Fox the highest-ranked at No. 23 after helping Arsenal win the UEFA Champions League. Fox also finished 25th in final Ballon d'Or voting.

Read at ESPN.com