Megan Rapinoe has admitted her surprise at being included in the FIFA FIFPro Women’s World XI during The Best awards on Thursday – as she hasn’t played a match in the last nine months.
The U.S. Women’s National Team star tweeted her appreciation for the recognition but said it was proof of the need to promote the women’s game more to recognise the achievements of other players.
The FIFPro World XI is voted for purely by players, with 2020’s award considering those who featured between July 2019 and October 2020.
Rapinoe was voted in alongside Christiane Endler, Lucy Bronze, Wendie Renard, Millie Bright, Delphine Cascarino, Barbara Bonansea, Veronica Boquete, Pernille Harder, Vivianne Miedema and Tobin Heath.
She wrote on Twitter: "I am obviously very honored to have been recognized by my peers around the world who vote for the FIFPRO World XI. At the same time, it did come as a surprise to me that I met the criteria for selection as I haven't played in a match since March (2021, here I come!).
"We have so many phenomenal female players around the world and all of us need to do what we can to recognise them. The fact that I was selected once again sheds light on the fact that in order to push our game forward we need continued investment in the women's game to give more female players the opportunity to be seen on TV in their home countries and globally while performing for club and country.
"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.
"Again, I am honored and flattered to have been recognized by my peers for this honor, and look forward to getting back out on the field in 2021!
"Congratulations to all the incredible women selected in the Best XI. Here's to another groundbreaking year in women's football! Happy Holidays, wishing everyone health and happiness!"
Currently playing for OL Reign in the NWSL, Rapinoe is one of women's football's most famous players. In 2019, she was named The Best FIFA Women's Player of the Year and won the Ballon d'Or after helping the USWNT to their fourth World Cup title.
The title for Best Women's Player in 2020 went to Manchester City and England right-back Lucy Bronze, on the back of a successful spell at Lyon.