- Spain lifted first Women’s World Cup trophy after 1-0 win against England
- Young Player, Golden Glove, Golden Boot, and Golden Ball awards presented after final
- FIFPRO recaps the winners of the Australia & New Zealand 2023 player awards
After Spain claimed their first Women’s World Cup crown following a 1-0 victory over England, four players were recognised for their outstanding performances at Australia & New Zealand 2023 with individual awards.
The winners of the Young Player, Golden Glove, Golden Boot, and Golden Ball awards were revealed ahead of Spain’s trophy presentation, which closed the curtain on a month of thrilling international football. FIFPRO recaps the winners of the player awards at Australia & New Zealand 2023.
Young Player Award: Salma Paralluelo
- Age: 19
- Country: Spain
- Position: Forward
Salma Paralluelo added to her winners’ medal by being crowned the best young player at Australia & New Zealand 2023. The 19-year-old, who only made her senior international debut last year, was named Player of the Match in La Roja’s quarter-final and semi-final victories against Netherlands and Sweden, respectively.
The teenager now has a hat-trick of winners’ medals at the global finals after winning the 2022 U-20 Women’s World Cup and 2018 U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Golden Glove Award: Mary Earps
- Age: 30
- Country: England
- Position: Goalkeeper
Mary Earps was awarded the Golden Glove after her fine performances in goal for England at Australia & New Zealand 2023. The stopper kept three clean sheets and made an array of impressive saves throughout the tournament, including saving a penalty in the final.
In a World Cup that witnessed many strong goalkeeping performances, Earps saw off stern competition from the likes of Mackenzie Arnold (Australia), Cata Coll (Spain) and Zecira Musovic (Sweden) to claim the award.
Golden Boot Award: Hinata Miyazawa
- Age: 23
- Country: Japan
- Position: Midfield
Though she exited the tournament with Japan at the quarter-final stage, Hinata Miyazawa finished top of the scoring charts and thus claimed the Golden Boot.
The midfielder’s five goals were unmatched, with her closest scoring rivals being Kadidiatou Diani (France), Alexandra Popp (Germany), Jill Roord (Netherlands) and Amanda Ilestedt (Sweden) who all bagged four.
Golden Ball Award: Aitana Bonmati
- Age: 25
- Country: Spain
- Position: Midfield
Renowned for her exceptional passing and ability to read the game, Aitana Bonmati was awarded the Golden Ball for her outstanding performances at the heart of Spain’s midfield throughout Australia & New Zealand 2023.
Bonmati scored three times and laid on two assists during the competition, playing an integral role in guiding La Roja to their first Women’s World Cup trophy.
