The Seattle Reign player topped a supporters’ poll to become the second winner of the BBC World Service award (Nigeria & Arsenal forward, Asisat Oshoala was a slightly unexpected winner last year), after also being in the running in 2015.
She beat a shortlist of Gaelle Enganamouit (FC Rosengard, Sweden), Amandine Henry (Olympique Lyonnais), Carli Lloyd (Houston Dash) and Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City).
A longlist had originally been compiled by women’s football journalists from around the world and then shortened by a smaller panel (including SK Editor, Jen O’Neill), twhich was then voted for, by fans across the globe (with the whole process organised and overseen by BBC Sportsworld presenter Sarah Mulkerrins).
Mulkerrins was joined by former USWNT midfield star and World Cup winner Shannon MacMillan, to surprise Little with the award at her club’s training ground early on Tuesday, live on BBC World Service. Her team mates, including Hope Solo and fellow Scottish international Rachel Corsie, had been informed the evening before but had successfully kept Kim in the dark about the accolade.
“I’m surprised to win, I’m extremely humbled to win,” Little, 25, said.
“Women’s football is in a great place. Hopefully it will progress further.”
Mary Hockaday, Controller of BBC World Service English, said: “Well done to Kim Little. It’s been another outstanding year for women’s football and Kim’s talent shines through on the pitch.
“I’m delighted BBC World Service plays an important part in giving female footballers the recognition they deserve.”
Little was Seattle’s leading scorer, and second overall in America’s National Women’s Soccer League, with 10 goals as she helped the Reign top the league in 2015.
She also then swapped continents to play a starring role on loan at W-League winning Melbourne City in 2015.
The former Hibernian and Arsenal star – a five-time title winner with the Gunners – has made 115 appearances for Scotland, scoring 46 goals. Scotland have a 100% record in Euro 2017 qualifying in 2015/2016.
In 2012, the Aberdeen-born player helped Great Britain reached the quarter-finals at the London Olympics.
She was named the FA’s Women’s Player of the Year in 2010 and was the first recipient of the PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year award in 2013.
“She’s a player that has almost everything,” Scotland coach Anna Signeul said. “She’s quick, her balance and movement on the pitch is fantastic. She has brilliant technique, There aren’t many things that she can’t do.
“She’s a role model. She’s perfect in everything she does on and off the pitch and I think it will take a long time before Scotland gets another player like this.”
Watch some of Kim’s best goals here:
Part of Articled Sourced from & photo by – BBC Sport
