Soccer Football – The Best FIFA Football Awards – Teatro alla Scala, Milan, Italy – September 23, 2019 USA women’s Megan Rapinoe speaks after winning the Best FIFA Women’s player award REUTERS/Flavio Lo Scalzo
U.S. women’s national team star Megan Rapinoe was named FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year on Monday during an awards ceremony in Milan, Italy.
Rapinoe, who lead the USWNT to victory in this year’s World Cup, beat out teammate Alex Morgan and England fullback Lucy Bronze in the final vote, which was voted on by fans, journalists, national team coaches and captains.
The 34-year-old forward, who also plays for Reign FC in the National Women’s Soccer League, scored six goals in the World Cup and earned both the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer and the Golden Ball as the top player.
“We have such an incredible opportunity being professional footballers, so much success, an incredible platform,” Rapinoe said in her acceptance speech.
“I ask everyone here, lend your platform to other people, share your success. We have a unique opportunity to use this game to actually change the world for better.”
U.S. coach Jill Ellis won the women’s coach award.
FC Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi won his sixth FIFA player of the year award, besting five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who was also a finalist.
—Field Level Media