U.S. star Rapinoe wins women's Ballon d'Or after indelible 2019

On the back of a year that won't soon be forgotten, American icon Megan Rapinoe captured the 2019 women's Ballon d'Or award on Monday.

The World Cup winner, who arguably made more of a statement off the pitch by speaking out against social injustice, among other issues, beat out English defender Lucy Bronze and compatriot Alex Morgan for the honor.

The triumph concludes a sweep of this year's major individual accolades for the 34-year-old, as Rapinoe was also named FIFA Women's Player of the Year in September. In co-captaining the United States to a fourth world title this summer in France, she won the Golden Ball as the tournament's top player and Golden Boot as its top scorer.

It's been quite a 12-month spell for the Reign FC winger.

"I'm so sad I can't make it tonight," Rapinoe, who was unable to attend Monday's ceremony in Paris, said in a recorded video message. "It's absolutely incredible, congrats to the other nominees. I can't believe I'm the one winning in this field, it's been an incredible year.

"I want to thank my teammates and the U.S. federation."

This is the second time France Football has handed out the award. Norwegian striker Ada Hegerberg claimed the inaugural trophy in 2018.

Hegerberg, who led Lyon to another Women's Champions League title in 2018-19 and became the tournament's all-time top scorer this season, finished fourth in this year's voting.