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Manchester City Women full-back Lucy Bronze said she was surprised after being named Best FIFA Women’s Player of the Year for 2020.
The defender, who re-joined City from Lyon in September, beat former Lyon teammate Wendie Renard and Chelsea striker Pernille Harder to the award.
Afterwards, Bronze expressed her surprise at the win, which she now adds to her Champions League and FA Cup winners medals, as well as the her BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award that she won in March.
“What a surprise,” said Bronze, who also became the first English footballer and first defender to win the title. “Even be nominated alongside the two other players, they are both incredible players and outstanding human beings as well.
“I don’t think I have the words right now to explain how I am feeling. If there is anything 2020 has taught us, it is to appreciate every moment you have, never look too far ahead and live in the here and now.
“I will appreciate winning this award now more than ever and I will remember this moment for the rest of my life.”
Bronze has enjoyed a trophy-laden career so far, with 3 WSL titles, 2 FA Cups, 1 League Cup, three Champions League, 3 French league titles and 2 Coupe de France victories.
City Chief Executive Ferran Soriano said the defender totally deserved the win, and re-signing the full-back was a signal of intent for the club and player.
“She is an incredible talent and global recognition like this is testament to the world-class player that she has become. Bringing her back to the club in the summer was a huge signal of intent for both ourselves and Lucy in terms of how we both view the future of our women’s team.
“Everybody at Manchester City is extremely proud of her individual successes at The Best FIFA Awards 2020 and hope that they are the first of many for her in a City shirt.”