Scotland’s Kim Little is among nominees for the first BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award in 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 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 the 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 11 May at 10am, with the winner revealed on the BBC World Service on 26 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)
