THE REST OF THE TOP TEN

Rapinoe was crowned the best women’s footballer of 2019, but these players all enjoyed a pretty decent 12 months, too

2 ALEX MORGAN

Even though she wasn’t fully fit going into the World Cup, Morgan still scored six goals – five coming against Thailand – and missed out on the Golden Boot to US team-mate Rapinoe on minutes played.

3 LUCY BRONZE

The best right-back in the world, and the best footballer in Europe right now. Bronze helped Lyon secure back-to-back Champions League titles, before guiding England to the World Cup semi-finals.

4 SAM KERR

A world-class striker for Australia who will join Chelsea this month. The Matildas’ captain is the all-time leading scorer in the US’ National Women’s Soccer League.

5 ADA HEGERBERG

Didn’t play at the World Cup due to her ongoing dispute with Norway’s FA, but did hit a hat-trick in the Champions League final as Lyon brushed aside Barcelona 4-1.

6 DZSENIFER MAROZSAN

Also on target in the Champions League final for Lyon, the Hungary-born midfielder was awarded Germany’s player of the year prize for the third season in succession.

7 SARI VAN VEENENDAAL

FIFA’S Goalkeeper of the Year picked up the Golden Glove at the World Cup after helping the Netherlands progress to the final, where a string of saves weren’t quite enough to stop the US from triumphing.

8 VIVIANNE MIEDEMA

A goal machine. At just 23, she already has 69 from only 87 appearances for the Netherlands, and is averaging almost one per game for Arsenal since joining in 2017.

9 AMANDINE HENRY

France’s captain at the World Cup, the 30-year-old Lyon stalwart won her fifth Champions League title with the club this year, and an 11th domestic league crown.

10 MARTA

Now 33, the Brazilian has been FIFA World Player of the Year on six occasions. She increased her overall World Cup goal tally to a record 17 in 2019, over five finals.