USWNT winger Megan Rapinoe has won the 2019 Women’s Ballon d’Or, with England defender Lucy Bronze placing second.
The Reign FC forward rose to global fame in the last 12 months as she inspired the United States to their fourth World Cup victory, with Rapinoe earning both the Golden Boot and Gold Ball for the tournament – awarded to the top-scorer and best player respectively.
In September, the 34-year-old collected the FIFA Best Women’s Player award, while she was also named in numerous team of the year selections.
Rapinoe scored nine goals for the USWNT this calendar year, six of which came at the World Cup in France, including the opener in the 2-0 victory over the Netherlands in the final.
Her performance was equally decisive in both the round of 16 and the quarters, the veteran hitting a brace in either match to secure consecutive 2-1 triumphs for Jill Ellis’ recruits.
Meanwhile, Lyon right-back Bronze was a standout figure for England as they reached the last-four, where they were dumped out following a tense encounter with the Americans (who were without Rapinoe for the clash).
Alex Morgan broke the deadlock in a 2-1 win for the eventual champions, with that her sixth and last goal of the tournament. The striker finished third in the Ballon d’Or standings after another productive year leading the attack for the United States.
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