Full list of Women's FIFA Best Award winners as Lionesses dominate World XI

27 February 2023 , 22:10

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Lucy Bronze and Beth Mead were two of four England stars named in the World XI

The Lionesses dominated the FIFA Best Awards in Paris, despite Beth Mead missing out on being named the Best Women's Player.

Barcelona and Spain star Alexia Putellas retained her crown in front of England striker Beth Mead and United States superstar Alex Morgan. The award has been voted for by national team coaches and captains as well as journalists and fans.

The initial shortlist of 14 was announced in January having been selected by a panel of experts and was narrowed down to three earlier this month.

Mead, who is currently sidelined with an ACL injury, made the cut having previously been named the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year for 2022. This came after a stellar run of form for the Lionesses at the Euros that helped them to the title, while she also claimed the golden boot and player of the tournament award.

Putellas, a two-time Ballon d'Or winner, also made the shortlist having won the award last year. Last Season, Barcelona completed a domestic treble and also reached the Champions League final, but narrowly missed out to Lyon.

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An ACL injury meant she was unable to feature for Spain at the Euros last summer, but her incredible form for her club hasn't gone unnoticed. She recently made the next step in her recovery as she was filmed training with a ball at her feet in the new year.

Morgan, of NWSL side San Diego Wave, has been a key figure for the United States for a number of years. She was the leading goalscorer for her club last season and also helped her country to victory in the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship final.

Alexia Putellas was named as the Best Women's Player over Beth Mead

Sarina Wiegman was recognised for her efforts in guiding England to Euros glory, beating Pia Sundhage and Sonia Bompastor to the Best Coach gong.

England hero Mary Earps was the first player to receive an award, as she was named the Best Women's Goalkeeper. Earps, Manchester United and England's number one, was crucial to the Lioness' Euros in the summer and she's been an integral figure for United under Marc Skinner.

"I feel really honoured to be holding this heavy trophy," she said. "Thank you to my loved ones who picked me up off the kitchen floor a few years ago.

"And to Sarina Wiegman, I have run out of words to say to you. Thank you for believing in me the way you have. This is for anyone who has been in a dark place. There is light at the end of the tunnel."

England's Mary Earps won the Best Goalkeeper award

Earps' club and international team-mate Alessia Russo missed out on the Puskas award for Best Goal however. She was nominated for her legendary backheel in the Lionesses’ semi-final win over Sweden - which was one of the competition’s most memorable moments. Instead, Marcin Olesky's incredible goal for Warta Poznan's amputee team was recognised.

Four England players were also named in the FIFPRO World XI, a team picked exclusively by fellow professionals. Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson, Keira Walsh and Mead were all included.

Here are the women's award winners in full:

Best Women's Goalkeeper: Mary Earps

Earps reacts to FIFA Best nomination and on season so far with Man Utd

Nominees: Ann-Katrin Berger, Christine Endler.

Puskas Award: Marcin Oleksy

Nominees: Dimitri Payet, Richarlison, Mario Balotelli, Francisco Gonzalez Metilli, Amandine Henry, Theo Hernandez, Alou Kuol, Kylian Mbappe, Salma Paralluelo, Alessia Russo

Best Women’s Coach: Sarina Wiegman

Sarina Wiegman was named Women's Coach of the Year

Nominees: Pia Sundhage, Sonia Bompastor.

FIFPRO Women's World XI: Christine Endler; Lucy Bronze, Maria Leon, Leah Williamson, Wendie Renard; Alexia Putellas, Keira Walsh, Lena Oberdorf; Alex Morgan, Sam Kerr, Beth Mead.

Best Women's Player: Alexia Putellas.

Nominees: Beth Mead, Alex Morgan.

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Hannah Pinnock