Matildas star Ellie Carpenter has been named the Asian Football Confederation’s best women’s player of 2020.
20-year-old Carpenter was the youngest player to be shortlisted for the award, beating Japan’s Saki Kumagai and Australian teammates Caitlin Foord and Sam Kerr. The award recognises a player’s performances at a club and national level over the year and is voted on by fans and a panel of Asian football experts.
It’s a real honour to be awarded the best in Asia for 2020. I’m so proud to represent Australia and Asia on the world stage. This couldn’t have been possible without my teammates, staff and supporters throughout the year. Thank you 🙏🏼 @TheMatildas @MelbourneCity @OLfeminin https://t.co/ulXtGJGjk0
— Ellie Carpenter (@CarpenterEllie) January 24, 2021
Carpenter started 2020 as a major force in helping Australia’s national side, the Matildas, qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. She played four matches and provided three assists in the Matildas’ unbeaten campaign to qualify.
She then went on to win the W-League Grand Final with Melbourne City, before signing a major deal with French club Olympique Lyonnais – the most dominant women’s club in the world. Lyon boasts the best talent, winning record, resources and pay in the women’s game.
At the time, her deal with Lyon was considered one of the best deals signed by an Australian player, ever. Carpenter has since gone on to secure her spot in Lyon’s starting line up, as the team looks to secure its sixth successive Champions League title.
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