The 34-year-old lifted the award in recognition of her contribution to the United States’ journey to the 2019 Women’s World Cup title over the summer. She won the Golden Boot after netting six goals in the competition, which included the opener in the final.
The US co-captain is also a passionate activist for equality in the sport and has called for the United States women’s team to be paid the same as the men’s team.
Together with other members of the US women’s football team, Rapinoe filed a lawsuit against the US Soccer Federation back in March, accusing the organisation of paying the women’s team less than the men’s team despite the former being the more successful group of the two, having won four World Cups and four Olympic gold medals.
During her award speech, Rapinoe called out racism in football and urged the famed personalities in attendance to use their platform to make a difference.
She said,
She went on to add,
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