|
Rapinoe, who was named best player at the 2019
World Cup and finished top scorer, said she appreciated being
included in the team of the year but pointed out she had not
played since March, when the coronavirus pandemic disrupted
global sport.
The winger said on Twitter she appreciated being chosen by her
fellow professionals but other players deserved more recognition
this year.
"We have so many phenomenal female players around the world and
all of us need to do what we can to recognise them," she said.
She added that her inclusion "sheds light on the fact that to
push our game forward we need continued investment ... to give
more female players the opportunity to be seen on TV in their
home countries and globally while performing for club and
country".
Rapinoe, who won FIFA's The Best award last year and gained
extra attention for her criticism of U.S. President Donald
Trump, chose not to play for her club OL Reign when the U.S.
women's season resumed in June.
But she said she was excited to return to playing next year,
when the United States will be playing in the Olympic Games in
Tokyo.
"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," she added.
"Again, I am honoured and flattered to have been recognised by
my peers for this honour, and look forward to getting back out
on the field in 2021!"
(Reporting by Richard Martin; Editing by Frances Kerry)
[© 2020 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2020 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
 |
|
