Abby Wambach wins FIFA World Player of the Year

Monday, January 7, 2013

Earlier tonight in Zurich, United States national team soccer player Abby Wambach was named 2012 FIFA World Player of the Year, soccer's yearly designation for the best women's player in the world, beating out teammate Alex Morgan and five time winner Brazilian national team member Marta.

Wambach became the first woman from the United States to win the award since Mia Hamm in 2002. Her victory came in the same year she aided her team in winning a gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics and where she personally contributed five goals in her team's effort.

The men's award, the Ballon d'Or, was won by Argentinian national team player and Spanish La Liga Barcelona FC player Lionel Messi for the fourth consecutive time.

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Sources

Associated Press. "U.S. player Wambach named best player of the year" — Sports Illustrated, January 7, 2012
Paul Kerr. "Messi sets records with fourth Ballon d'Or win" — ESPN, January 7, 2012
Associated Press. "Lionel Messi aims for historic 4th best player honor; Abby Wambach up for FIFA award" — The Washington Post, January 4, 2012

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