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Rapinoe on World XI award: “I haven’t played in a match since March”

The Best FIFA Football Awards 2019 - Show
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Megan Rapinoe was shocked to find out she had been selected for the 2020 World XI award.

Megan Rapinoe has been included in this year’s Women World XI at FIFA’s The Best awards. However, the nomination came as a surprise to the OL Reign player. She hasn’t stepped onto the field since March. The American forward won last year’s edition of the Women’s Player of the Year award. Megan led her national team to a second successive World Cup triumph. Additionally, Rapinoe also received the Golden Boot of the tournament. She scored six goals, including a penalty goal in the final.

The American football player is very well known for her controversial stances. The Ballon D’Or winner became one of the most famous stars in women’s football after her feud with Donald Trump. Recently, she called out Ronaldo and Messi for not doing enough in the fight for social justice. Rapinoe believes that the players could have an immense influence in the fight against racism.

As FIFA’s The Best awards were revealed, the US captain reacted to her surprising recognition on her social media.

“I am obviously very honored to have been recognized by my peers around the world who vote for the FIFPro World11. At the same time, it did come as surprise to me that I met the criteria for selection as I haven’t played in a match since March,” she explained.

“We have so many phenomenal female players around the world and all of us need to do what we can to recognize them. The future of our game is so bright, the potential is limitless, and our commitment to pushing it forward from every possible angle has to match that.”

Additionally, Manchester City player Lucy Bronze was awarded this year’s Women’s Player of the Year award.

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