The Netherlands’ Sarina Wiegman and England’s Karen Bardsley have been named the Best FIFA Women’s Coach and Goalkeeper of the Year respectively, while four England players have been named in the FIFA FIFPro Women’s World XI.
The awards were announced at the Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony in London on Monday night, with Wiegman and Bardsley both receiving their awards from FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Wiegman, who led the Netherlands to the UEFA Women’s EURO 2017 title, was named the Best FIFA Women’s Coach of the Year ahead of England’s Phil Neville and France’s Corinne Diacre.
The Dutchwoman, who took over from Roger Reijners in January 2017, has enjoyed a hugely successful spell in charge of the Netherlands, leading them to the final of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
Bardsley, meanwhile, was named the Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year after a stellar season with Manchester City and England. The 34-year-old was instrumental in City’s success in the Women’s Super League, helping them to the title, and was also a key part of the Lionesses’ run to the semi-finals of the World Cup.
The four England players named in the FIFA FIFPro Women’s World XI were Lucy Bronze, Steph Houghton, Jill Scott and Nikita Parris. Bronze, who plays for Lyon, was named in the team for the third consecutive year, while Houghton, Scott and Parris were all making their first appearances in the team.
The awards are a fitting reward for Wiegman and Bardsley, who have both enjoyed hugely successful years in the women’s game. Wiegman has led the Netherlands to the top of the women’s game, while Bardsley has been a key part of England’s success in the World Cup.
The four England players named in the FIFA FIFPro Women’s World XI are also a testament to the progress the Lionesses have made in recent years. The quartet have all been instrumental in England’s success, and their inclusion in the team is a fitting reward for their hard work and dedication.
The awards are a further sign of the progress that women’s football is making, and it is clear that the game is continuing to grow in popularity and recognition. With Wiegman and Bardsley both receiving awards, and four England players named in the FIFA FIFPro Women’s World XI, it is clear that the women’s game is in a very healthy state.
