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Nadine Angerer, who signed with the Portland Thorns earlier today, beat out strikers Abby Wambach and Marta to win the FIFA Women's World Player of the Year. The award was announced at 11:00 today.
Congrats to our newest @ThornsFC star @NAngerer on winning 2013 FIFA Women's World Player of Year! #baon
— Merritt Paulson (@MerrittPaulson) January 13, 2014
The Player of the Year award, FIFA's highest honor, has never before been won by a goalkeeper. Since the inception of the men's trophy in 1991 and the women's in 2001, the only goalkeeper even nominated was a fellow German, Oliver Kahn.
Her ability to rise above herself at critical moments in matches is now the stuff of legend. A naturally open, communicative and down-to-earth individual she is valued highly and affectionately by her team-mates and the football watching public. Angerer is an extrovert, witty and emotionally-charged by turns. She combines all the attributes a goalkeeper requires if she is to lead, inspire and motivate a top-level team.