Carli Lloyd, midfielder from the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team was just named FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year, beating out Aya Miyama from Japan and Celia Sasic from Germany. The award ceremony took place in Zurich, Germany.
Lloyd became famous for her hat trick during the game against Japan in the Women’s World Cup final this past summer. The hat trick gave the U.S. a 5-2 win, which allowed them to become the first team to win three Women’s World Cup championships.
As she accepted according to USAToday.com, Lloyd said, “I honestly wouldn’t be standing up here without my incredible team. We all know it took 23 players to win the World Cup.” Lloyd then thanked coach Jill Ellis and president, Sunil Gulati. Lloyd is the third American to win the award, which was won by Mia Hamm (2001-02) and Abby Wambach (2012).
And on top of winning the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year, Lloyd also won the Golden Ball, which is given to the Cup’s best player. She’s the second American to win it — Carin Jennings won it in 1991.
Leading up to Monday, Lloyd was named co-captain of the U.S. team along with defender Becky Sauerbrunn. Lloyd’s 211 caps and 79 goals make her rank 8th in U.S. history.
