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 deluge of double awards at FIFA’s ‘Best’ event in Paris on Monday as the Lionesses’ heroism was recognized on the world stage.
However, they were denied a triple crown in the ‘Best Player’ category as Spain’s Alexias Putellas finished ahead of England’s Beth Mead and America’s Alex Morgan.
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.
Manchester United and national team goalkeeper Earps finished ahead of fellow nominees Ann-Katrin Berger of Germany and Christiane Endler of Chile.
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 influenced the nation’s winning run, telling attendees at the FIFA ceremony in Paris that their 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 say thank you to 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’ achievements were followed by Wiegman, who took the stage in an elegant pantsuit to receive her coaching award inside the Parisian venue.
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 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 amazing people, great players and behind the scenes staff who make such a huge impact.