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Alexia Putellas surpasses Beth Mead to be named the world’s best player at FIFA awards, while England manager Sarina Wiegman and goalkeeper Mary Earps win awards at a ceremony in Paris
- Alexia Putellas wins FIFA’s BEST Player in the World award
- While the English Mary Earps was recognized as the best goalkeeper
- Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman honored as the leading women’s coach
Mary Earps and Sarina Wiegman capped off a double-win at The FIFA ‘Best’ event in Paris on Monday, when the Lionesses’ European Championship exploits were recognized on the world stage.
However, the host nation was denied a triple crowning in the ‘Best Player’ category as Spain’s Alexias Putellas topped the polls ahead of England’s Beth Mead and America’s Alex Morgan.
Putellas will have to find a place for herself in her trophy case after previously winning the women’s Ballon d’Or in October last year.
The 29-year-old attacking midfielder was the top scorer in the Champions League after netting 11 goals in last season’s competition and managed 34 goals in all competitions for Barcelona.
The recognition on Monday also saw Putellas become the first woman to retain the FIFA’s Best award.
Barcelona midfielder Alexia Putellas won the FIFA Best Player Award
Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman recognized as FIFA’s Best Women’s Manager
English goalkeeper Mary Earps was recognized as the best goalkeeper in the world
Earps picked up the FIFA award for the best goalkeeper in the world, while Wiegman was recognized as the leading coach in women’s football.
England’s Lionesses won their first major trophy last summer when the trophy-laden duo helped the nation win the European Championship title at Wembley after beating Germany in the final.
Manchester United and national team goalkeeper Earps finished ahead of fellow nominees Ann-Katrin Berger of Germany and Christiane Endler of Chile.
The hard-to-beat goalkeeper was crucial to her country’s winning run and told attendees at the FIFA ceremony in Paris that her success shows others the way forward.
“I just want to thank my loved ones who picked me up off the kitchen floor to be here today, not specifically tonight, but a few years ago,” Earps said.
‘For anyone who has been in a dark place, know that there is light at the end of the tunnel, so keep going. You can achieve anything you set your mind to.’
“I just want to thank my loved ones who picked me up off the kitchen floor to be here today, not specifically tonight, but a few years ago,” Earps said.
‘For anyone who has been in a dark place, know that there is light at the end of the tunnel, so keep going. You can achieve anything you set your mind to.
Earps and Wiegman were influential in the Lionesses’ European Championship success last season
Putellas scored 34 goals in all competitions for Barcelona last season on her way to becoming the best player in the world.
Earps’ accomplishments were followed by Wiegman, who took the stage in a smart pantsuit to receive her coaching award inside the luxurious Parisian venue decked out with modern game superstars.
Wiegman only took over as England boss in 2021 and a year later shocked the world when the Lionesses dominated the European championships.
The 53-year-old beat out Lyon club coach Sonia Bompastor and fellow national team boss Pia Sundhage for the award.
Wiegman (third from right) has been a crucial part of the Lionesses’ recent trophy success.
Lionesses boss Wiegman used her award speech to praise the developments in the women’s game.
Wiegman has been one of the sport’s biggest advocates for moving the women’s game forward, telling viewers the developments meant ‘girls’ now have idols in football.
‘Thank you very much, ever since I could walk I have loved football and over the years I have watched women’s football grow and develop.
“It’s amazing to be here, now we have heroes in the room, girls have idols and a lot of people have worked hard all over the world,” Wiegman said.
‘At the championships, the stadiums were full, Wembley was full and, as the English say, we brought it home! I would like to thank these incredible people, great players and behind-the-scenes staff who make such a huge impact,” he added.