KUALA LUMPUR (Malaysia): Three of Asia’s biggest stars are in the running for one of the global women’s game’s most prestigious honours, the 2020 FIFA Best Women’s Player award, the AFC said on Wednesday.
Saki Kumagai, Sam Kerr and Ji So-yun were announced as part of the 10-woman shortlist on Wednesday, with the winner to be revealed at a ceremony in Zurich on December 17.
Also nominated in the FIFA Awards is Korea Republic men’s star Son Heung-min, who is among the contenders for the Puskas Awards, which recognises the most beautiful goal in world football over the course of the year.
Despite the interruptions of COVID-19, and a subsequent dearth of international football, Asia’s female stars have enjoyed another standout year.
Japanese captain and reigning AFC Women’s Player of the Year Kumagai became the first Asian player in history to win five consecutive UEFA Women’s Champions League titles, scoring a memorable goal in the final for Olympique Lyonnais in August.
The continent’s other contenders are both supplied by English Super League champions Chelsea, with Australia’s Sam Kerr and Korea Republic star Ji So-yun both playing key roles in the club’s success.
Son was nominated for the Puskas Award for his sensational goal against Burney in December 2019. The Tottenham star’s superb individual effort was crowned Premier League goal of the season in August.
