With standout players like Alexia Putellas, Beth Mead, and Alex Morgan in the mix for 2022, this is a complete look at the FIFA Women’s Player of the Year award.
The annual honour is about to reach its sixth ceremony, spotlighting the top performers from the previous season and the potential for Putellas to become the first player to win back-to-back titles. As the gala approaches, this piece breaks down the award and what it represents in women’s football today.
WHEN DID THE BEST WOMEN’S PLAYER RECOGNITION BEGIN?
Getty Images
The award carries a growing legacy. It first debuted in 2016, and the inaugural recipient was American star Carli Lloyd. Since then, a handful of players have earned the honour, each adding to the list of trailblazers in women’s football.
HISTORY OF THE WINNERS
Getty Images
To date, five players have claimed the prize. While no player has repeated wins yet, the United States remains a leading country with the most individual honours for the best female player. Other nations—Brazil, the Netherlands, and England—are eager to add new names and trophies to their cabinets as the award continues to evolve on the global stage.
As the 2022 ceremony approaches, fans are given a full view of the winners and the journey each athlete has taken to reach the podium. The award celebrates performance, consistency, and influence across both club and country, underscoring the growing prestige of women’s football worldwide.
This overview highlights the progression of the prize, the countries contributing to its rich history, and the season-by-season performances that fuel discussions around the best female footballer on the planet. The ongoing narrative invites supporters to reflect on how female football has expanded its reach, attracting new fans and inspiring a new generation of players to aim for the top.