The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup reached a thrilling conclusion with a quality final between Spain and England. The quadrennial tournament delivered all the heartbreaks, upsets, and once-in-a-lifetime matches one could ask for. And in the end, it was La Roja who lifted the ultimate prize. Nevertheless, the World Cup wasn’t the only honor on offer, as the tournament’s standout stars were also awarded for their performances.
Young Player of The Tournament
FC Barcelona youngster Salma Paralluelo emerged as the tournament’s breakout star. The 19-year-old made seven appearances across the competition. She even received the nod ahead of Ballon d’Or winner Alexis Putellas for the final against England. The forward scored two crucial goals during her substitute cameos against Netherlands and Sweden. And for her displays, she was awarded the Young Player of the Tournament title.
19-year-old Salma Paralluelo is the first player in football history to be the reigning World Cup champion at U20 and at senior level.
At the 2022 U20 tournament, she scored two goals in the final against Japan. A year later, she has just become the first Spanish player to be… pic.twitter.com/awRKzpimyF
— Squawka (@Squawka) August 20, 2023
Golden Glove
Dominant the entire tournament 🧤😤
England’s Mary Earps wins the Golden Glove Award 🏴 pic.twitter.com/uXjPYTIE4Q
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 20, 2023
To nobody’s surprise, Three Lions superstar Mary Earps was named the Golden Glove winner. The Manchester United Women’s keeper enjoyed a stellar tournament, recording three clean sheets in total while making a number of important saves.
The 30-year-old also denied Jenni Hermoso from converting a penalty and kept England’s comeback hopes alive in the final. The Golden Glove is yet another feather in the keeper’s cap, who also won the FIFA Best Woman’s Goalkeeper award.
Golden Boot
The biggest individual honors concerned the tournament’s top scorer, and of course, the player of the tournament. Japan striker Hinata Miyazawa was awarded the Golden Boot for netting five goals. Her scoring run, which included a brace against the eventual champions, Spain, was curbed by Japan’s early exit from the competition. France’s Kadidiatou Diani was awarded the silver ball for finishing with four goals.
Your 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Ball Winner: Aitana Bonmatí 🇪🇸🏆 pic.twitter.com/DuERWYV3ZO
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 20, 2023
Golden Ball
The Golden Ball went to Spain’s Aitana Bonmati. The Barcelona midfielder was instrumental in La Roja’s World Cup triumph. She grabbed three goals and recorded two assists while being at the center of Spain’s attacking play. Bonmati was decisive in the final as well, completing 95% of her passes while recording six successful dribbles.
The adidas Golden Ball Award goes to Aitana Bonmatí! ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/zTl7fEY9bx
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 20, 2023
Spain’s victory on the global stage is a testament to the talent in their ranks. Despite being in a state of turmoil, the players rose to the occasion when it truly mattered. Their achievement also serves as vindication for the controversial figure of Jorge Vilda, who continues to divide opinions among fans.