Best Fifa Awards 2022: Sarina Wiegman and Alexia Putellas win major women's honours

England manager Sarina Wiegman and Spain midfielder Alexia PutellasGetty Images

Wiegman (left) and Putellas were honoured at the Best Fifa awards ceremony in Paris

By Mandeep Sanghera
BBC Sport

England manager Sarina Wiegman has been named women's coach of the year at the 2022 Best Fifa 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 guided England to European Championship glory on home soil last year, the team's first major trophy.

Putellas, who scored 34 times last season, won the player award for the second year running.

The 29-year-old, who missed Euro 2022 with a knee injury, beat England forward Beth Mead and United States international Alex Morgan to the honour.

Wiegman, who won the Euros as Netherlands boss in 2017, has claimed the Fifa women's coach award for the third time, having also earned it in 2017 and 2020.

"From when I could walk I have loved football. It's just incredible to be right here and to celebrate women's football," said Wiegman.

"Little girls have their idols and inspirations. So many people across the world have worked so hard to get the game where it is right now."

England scored 22 goals in six games on the 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 big team. Without great players you are nowhere," she added.

"Last but not least, my family have seen me more 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 games at Euro 2022 as they won the competition.

The 29-year-old kept four clean sheets and let in just two goals and was named in the team of the tournament.

She also recently became the first goalkeeper to keep 50 clean sheets in the WSL.

"I feel really honoured to be holding this heavy trophy," said Earps. "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."

The Fifa Best Awards are presented annually by world football's governing body, with coaches, captains, journalists and fans involved in the voting process.

The Fifpro women's World XI was voted for 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.

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