Arsenal’s Frida Maanum was named the player of the tournament for the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
The Gunners won the tournament by beating Corinthians 3-2 after extra time, with Caitlin Foord scoring the winner – laid on by Maanum.
She had come on at half-time as a replacement for Stina Blackstenius, with the score at 1-1.
Olivia Smith had notched in the 15th minute, with Gabi Zanotti equalising six minutes later. and Lotte Wubben-Moy’s superb header put Arsenal ahead before an injury-time penalty from Vic Albuquerque forced extra-time.
But Maanum’s through-ball to Foord in the 104th minute did the damage and ensured Arsenal lifted the trophy.
Maanum had been in the starting line-up for the semi-final against AS FAR, scoring the second goal of the game with an excellent volley.
Goals from Blackstenius, Mariona Caldentey (penalty), Smith and an Alessia Russo brace rounded off the 6-0 victory.
Frida Maanum receives award from legendary Arsenal manager
Former Arsenal men’s manager Arsene Wenger – now FIFA’s chief of global development – presented Maanum with her award at the Emirates as part of the post-match prizegiving
Maanum, a Norway international, signed for Arsenal five years ago, when Jonas Eidevall was the team’s head coach, and signed a new contract at the club last May. She had previously played in Sweden for Linkoping, and Stabaek and Lyn in her home country.
She made her senior international debut at the 2017 Women’s Euros, and was also part of the squads for the 2019 and 2023 Women’s World Cups and the 2022 and 2025 Euros.
