Putellas, Wiegman win The Best FIFA awards in women’s categories

Alexia Putellas, the Barcelona and Spain midfielder, was awarded the Best FIFA Women’s Player at the FIFA Best Awards ceremony on Monday, denying England’s women a clean sweep.

Earlier in the ceremony, Sarina Wiegman, the coach of the English women’s team, and Mary Earps, the goalkeeper for Manchester United and England, had won the Best FIFA Women’s Coach and the Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper awards, respectively.

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Despite her absence from the Euros due to an ACL injury, Putellas, who won the Primera Division with Barcelona in 2021-22, won the award for the second time in a row after taking home the honor last year. Beth Mead, who was named the Euro 2022 Player of the Tournament and Golden Boot winner, was considered a favorite for the award, but missed out to Putellas.

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San Diego Wave and United States forward Alex Morgan was also in the running for the award. The FIFPro Women’s World 11 featured Putellas, Mead, and Morgan, while Christiane Endler was named the best goalkeeper, Mary Earps. Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson, and Keira Walsh were among the English players included in the team.

Upon receiving the award, Putellas emphasized the importance of following one’s dreams and enjoying the journey.

However, England’s women still had reason to celebrate, with Wiegman and Earps being recognized for their contributions to the team’s success at Euro 2022.