Arsenal forward Beth Mead says she has “really felt the love” after capping a sensational 12 months by finishing second in the women’s Ballon d’Or vote last night.
Little more than a year ago, Mead was looking to prove herself having been left out of Team GB’s squad for the Tokyo Olympics.
But after a superb club season with Arsenal, she then fired England to European Championship glory this summer, winning the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament prizes in the process.
Mead’s performances earned a place on the shortlist for the Ballon d’Or Feminin, where she finished second to Barcelona star Alexia Putellas, with Chelsea’s Sam Kerr in third.
In a video message to supporters on social media, Mead, who flew to the ceremony in Paris with Arsenal team-mate Vivianne Miedema and men’s star Bukayo Saka, said: “I just wanted to say a huge, huge thank you for the support that you’ve given me, both the women’s and the men’s team this year.
"I couldn’t have done it without you, I’ve really felt the love. I’ve had an amazing night, enjoyed the ceremony and congratulations to all the winners.”
Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema won the men’s Ballon d’Or for the first time after leading the Spanish giants to a LaLiga and Champions League double last term, with Bayern Munich and Senegal star Sadio Mane second and Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne third.
Benzema’s Madrid team-mate Thibaut Courtois won the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper, while Barcelona midfielder Gavi won the Kopa Trophy for the best player under the age of 21.
