Nadine Kessler wins FIFA Women's World Player of the Year award
Nadine Kessler has been named the best female footballer of 2014.
FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD PLAYER OF THE YEAR: The winner is Nadine Kessler #BallondOr
http://t.co/oG79I0PfFi pic.twitter.com/bvrUHZGbXG
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) January 12, 2015
Kessler, 26, becomes the third German to capture the award, following in the footsteps of Nadine Angerer (2013) and legendary striker Birgit Prinz (2004, 2005).
Nadine Kessler: "I never dreamed in my life I would win this prize. I'd like to thank my club, trainer & teammates at club & country."
— FIFA Women'sWorldCup (@FIFAWWC) January 12, 2015
The German midfielder enjoyed a momentous year, captaining Wolfsburg to the women's Bundesliga crown along with the Champions League title. As a result of those accomplishments, she was bestowed with the UEFA Best Women's Player in Europe Award.
She beat out Brazil's Marta and American striker Abby Wambach for the award on Monday.
FIFA Women’s World Player 2014 winner Nadine Kessler received 17.52% of all votes. Marta - 14.16%. @AbbyWambach - 13.33%. #BallondOr
— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) January 12, 2015
Kessler's attention will now shift towards the upcoming Women's World Cup, where she will be an integral member of a German side that won all 10 of their qualifying matches and are firmly regarded as one of the tournament favorites.
On both the men's and women's side of the sport, 2014 belonged to Germany.