FOOTBALL’S Ballon d’Or might be a popularity contest — but Megan Rapinoe fully deserved to win it for what she stands for off the pitch.
I was rooting for my girl Lucy Bronze, who played a key role in England reaching the World Cup semi-finals and Lyon’s Champions League trophy.
Megan Rapinoe’s Ballon d’Or was fully deserved for all she does on AND off the pitchCredit: AFP
For her to come second is still a huge achievement but I know Lucy’s attitude and all she wanted was first.
That is a credit to her hunger to be the best — and I’m sure it won’t be long until she’s lifting that trophy.
Rapinoe was always going to win. Not only for leading the United State World Cup glory but for standing up to racism, homophobia and sexism.
Because, let’s face it, she had only six starts for her club Reign FC, no goals and no assists.
It was solely judged on her World Cup performances in France because she wouldn’t have won if it was judged over the course of the season.
If it was decided over the entire season, no way would it have been her because she hasn’t played enough club football to prove she is the best.
But don’t get me wrong, I am all for her winning because of what she does for women’s sport.
She’s getting awards and using her platform to deliver powerful messages young girls and even boys are looking up to.
People are listening to what she stands for and she’s moving our sport forward, so I applaud that.
Asked whether the USA team would visit Donald Trump, she said: “I’m not going to the f***ing White House.”
She’s courageous and we need that in the women’s game.
Megan Rapinoe delivers inspiring speech at the Fifa Awards after winning Best Fifa Women’s Player 2019
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
