Alexia Putellas lifts a second consecutive FIFA award for the world’s BEST female player

Mary Earps and Sarina Wiegman capped off a double-awards swoop at The FIFA ‘Best’ event in Paris on Monday as the Lionesses heroics were recognised on the global stage.

However, were denied a triple crowning in ‘The Best female player’ category as Spain’s Alexias Putellas finished ahead of England’s Beth Mead and Alex Morgan of USA.

Earps picked up the FIFA award for the best female goalkeeper in the world, while Wiegman was recognised as the leading coach in the women’s game.

England’s Lionesses won their first major trophy last summer as the trophy-laden duo helped the nation to a European Championship title at Wembley after beating Germany.

Manchester United and national team shot-stopper Earps finished ahead of fellow nominees Ann-Katrin Berger of Germany and Chile’s Christiane Endler.

Earps was influential in the nation’s victorious run and told those in attendance at the FIFA ceremony in Paris that her success shows others the way forward.

‘I just want to say thank you so much to my loved ones who have 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, just know there is light at the end of the tunnel, so keep going. You can achieve anything that you set your mind to.’

‘I just want to say thank you so much to my loved ones who have picked me up off the kitchen floor to be here today, not specifically tonight but a few years ago,’ said Earps. 

‘For anyone who has been in a dark place, just know there is light at the end of the tunnel, so keep going. You can achieve anything that you set your mind to.

Earps merits were followed by Wiegman who took the stage in a smart trouser suit to receive her coaching award inside the Parisian venue.

Wiegman only took over as England boss in 2021 and a year later stunned the world as the Lionesses dominated the European championships.

The 53-year-old beat club Lyon coach Sonia Bompastor and fellow national team boss Pia Sundhage to the award.

Wiegman has been one of sport’s biggest advocates for moving the women’s game forward and told spectators that developments meant ‘little girls’ now have idols in football.

‘Thank you very much, from when I could walk I loved football and over the years have seen how the women’s game grew and develop. 

‘It is incredible to be here, we have heroes now in the room, little girls have idols and so many people have worked hard around the world,’ said Wiegman.

‘At the championships 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 staff behind the scenes who have such a big impact.