Scotland’s Kim Little is among the nominees for
the first ever BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year
award, with the shortlist announced on the BBC
World Service on Sunday.
Little scored 17 goals in 25 games for Seattle
Reign as they won the National Women’s Soccer
League in 2014, and was named the league’s Most
Valuable Player. The 24-year-old previously
enjoyed success with Arsenal and Hibernian,
winning 13 trophies in Britain before signing for
Seattle.
“Considering the competitiveness and the amount
of great players there are worldwide, it’s
extremely nice to be recognised,” Little said of her
nomination.
Little is joined on the global shortlist by
Liverpool’s Nigerian forward Asisat Oshoala.
Oshoala, who joined the Reds in January 2015,
was named the best player of the 2014 Under-20
World Cup, and was also top scorer as Nigeria
reached the final.
“I worked hard last year but I am surprised to be
nominated and I feel very appreciated,” said
Oshoala.
“This award is a very good thing for women’s
football,” Oshoala continued.
“It can really help us by encouraging other
countries to support their ladies more and treat
them the same way they treat the men.”
The shortlist is completed by Spain’s Verónica
Boquete, Germany’s Nadine Kessler and Brazilian
legend Marta, who joined Oshoala in highlighting
the award as a sign that the women’s game is
growing globally.
“When I was younger I had to overcome many
things: I was the only girl and I used to have to
play with the boys. It was complicated and
difficult. It’s better today – the girls don’t have the
same difficulties being accepted,” Marta said.
Mary Hockaday, controller of the BBC World
Service English said: “The five shortlisted players
represent an incredible array of talent and show
the growing strength of the women’s game. The
vote is now open to fans to choose their favourite
player.”
Fans can vote online and using their mobile
phone or handheld device, at bbc.com/
womensfootball.
The vote will close on Monday 11th May at 10am,
with the winner revealed on the BBC World
Service on 26th May. The shortlist was selected
by a panel of experts including administrators,
journalists, coaches and former players.
BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year
shortlist
Verónica Boquete (Spain and FFC Frankfurt)
Nadine Kessler (Germany and VFL Wolfsburg)
Kim Little (Scotland and Seattle Reign FC)
Marta (Brazil and FC Rosengard)
Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria and Liverpool)