England manager Sarina Wiegman was named Coach of the Year at the 2022 FIFA Best Awards, while Spain and Barcelona midfielder Alexia Putellas was the Women’s Player of the Year.
England’s Mary Earps won the women’s goalkeeper award at the Paris ceremony.
Wiegman led England to European Championship glory on home soil last year, the team’s first major trophy.
Putelas, who scored 34 times last season, won the player’s award for the second consecutive year.
The 29-year-old, who missed Euro 2022 with a knee injury, was pipped to the honor by England striker Beth Meade and US international Alex Morgan.
Wiegman, who won the Euros as Netherlands coach in 2017, claimed the FIFA women’s coach award for the third time, having also won it in 2017 and 2020.
“Ever since I could walk, I’ve loved soccer. It’s just incredible to be here and celebrate women’s soccer,” Wiegman said.
“Little girls have their idols and their inspirations. So many people around the world have worked so hard to bring the game to where it is now.”
England scored 22 goals in six games on their way to winning Euro 2022, with Wiegman’s side beating Germany 2-1 in the final after extra time.
“As for last summer, the stadiums were full. Wembley was full and there were so many families in the stadiums celebrating football. Behind me is a great team. Without great players you are nowhere,” he added.
“Last but not least, my family has seen more of me on TV than at home. Thank you for supporting me.”
“There is light at the end of the tunnel”
Earps, who plays for Manchester United in the Women’s Super League, started all six of England’s Euro 2022 matches as they won the competition.
The 29-year-old kept four clean sheets and conceded just two goals and was named in the team of the tournament.
She recently became the first goalkeeper to keep 50 clean sheets in the WSL.
“I feel really honored to hold this heavy trophy,” said Earps. “Thank you to my loved ones for picking me up from the kitchen floor a few years ago.
“And to Sarina Wiegman, I’m speechless. Thank you for believing in me the way you do. This is for anyone who has been in a dark place. There is light at the end of the tunnel.”
The Fifa Best Awards are presented annually by world football’s governing body, with coaches, captains, journalists and fans taking part in the voting process.
The Fifpro Women’s World XI was voted by fellow professionals and included England’s Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson, Keira Walsh and Mead.
Fifpro Women’s World XI: Christiane Endler, Lucy Bronze, Mapi Leon, Wendie Renard, Leah Williamson, Lena Oberdorf, Alexia Putellas, Keira Walsh, Sam Kerr, Beth Mead, Alex Morgan.
