Women's World Cup winner Megan Rapinoe has said her inclusion in FIFA's "Women's World11" team of the year despite playing so little is a sign that the women's game needs more visibility and exposure.

Rapinoe, who was named best player at the 2019 World Cup and finished top scorer, said she appreciated being included in the team of the year but pointed out she had not played since March, when the coronavirus pandemic disrupted global sport.

The winger said on Twitter she appreciated being chosen by her fellow professionals but other players deserved more recognition this year.

"We have so many phenomenal female players around the world and all of us need to do what we can to recognise them," she said.

She added that her inclusion "sheds light on the fact that to push our game forward we need continued investment ... to give more female players the opportunity to be seen on TV in their home countries and globally while performing for club and country".

Rapinoe, who won FIFA's The Best award last year and gained extra attention for her criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump, chose not to play for her club OL Reign when the U.S. women's season resumed in June.

But she said she was excited to return to playing next year, when the United States will be playing in the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

"The future of our game is so bright, the potential is limitless, and our commitment to pushing it forward from every possible angle has to match that," she added.

"Again, I am honoured and flattered to have been recognised by my peers for this honour, and look forward to getting back out on the field in 2021!"

Women's World Cup winner Megan Rapinoe has said her inclusion in FIFA's "Women's World11" team of the year despite playing so little is a sign that the women's game needs more visibility and exposure.

Women's World Cup winner Megan Rapinoe has said her inclusion in FIFA's "Women's World11" team of the year despite playing so little is a sign that the women's game needs more visibility and exposure. Rapinoe, who was named best player at the 2019 World Cup and finished top scorer, said she appreciated being included in the team of the year but pointed out she had not played since March, when the coronavirus pandemic disrupted global sport. The winger said on Twitter she appreciated being chosen by her fellow professionals but other players deserved more recognition this year. "We have so many phenomenal female players around the world and all of us need to do what we can to recognise them," she said. She added that her inclusion "sheds light on the fact that to push our game forward we need continued investment ... to give more female players the opportunity to be seen on TV in their home countries and globally while performing for club and country". Rapinoe, who won FIFA's The Best award last year and gained extra attention for her criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump, chose not to play for her club OL Reign when the U.S. women's season resumed in June. But she said she was excited to return to playing next year, when the United States will be playing in the Olympic Games in Tokyo. "The future of our game is so bright, the potential is limitless, and our commitment to pushing it forward from every possible angle has to match that," she added. "Again, I am honoured and flattered to have been recognised by my peers for this honour, and look forward to getting back out on the field in 2021!"

Megan Rapinoe questions her inclusion in FIFA team of year

On Thursday, Megan Rapinoe thanked the US men's team for showing solidarity in their fight for equal pay. She said that she is "very confident" about a favourable verdict in this matter.&nbsp;

US women's soccer team have been fighting with the US Soccer Federation since 2016, they want to get paid as much as the men's team does. The women's team are asking for $67 million as their backpay.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-womens-team-fights-back-against-governing-bodys-pay-claims-254494">US women's team fights back against governing body's pay claims</a>

The American men's national team had backed the voice of Women's team for 'equal pay'.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-mens-team-slams-us-soccer-backs-equal-pay-for-women-players-280513">United States men's team slams US soccer, backs 'equal pay' for women national team</a>

In a strong statement released on the website of the US National Soccer Team Players Association, the men squad had joined the reigning World Champions in their fight for equal pay.&nbsp;

The men's team said: "We do not want a US Soccer Federation that behaves like FIFA."

Rapinoe has played a significant role in this dispute and is leading the demands for equality. She told the reporters ahead of the USA's SheBelieves Cup opener that she was grateful to the men's team for their support.&nbsp;

Megan said: "It was much appreciated".

"(The men) have been a little light on statements before, you need to be educated if you weigh in and it seems like they took time to make the statement they wanted but I have been saying for a long time that we all have to stand together.

"They think they deserve more money too and they said that. If they are being underpaid we are likely being underpaid too so it was a nice show of support and I look forward to more solidarity between the two teams."

28 members of the US women's team has to file class-action gender discrimination against US Soccer Federation. The trial is expected to begin in May.

On Thursday, Megan Rapinoe thanked the US men's team for showing solidarity in their fight for equal pay. She said that she is "very confident" about a favourable verdict in this matter.

On Thursday, Megan Rapinoe thanked the US men's team for showing solidarity in their fight for equal pay. She said that she is "very confident" about a favourable verdict in this matter. US women's soccer team have been fighting with the US Soccer Federation since 2016, they want to get paid as much as the men's team does. The women's team are asking for $67 million as their backpay. Also read: US women's team fights back against governing body's pay claims The American men's national team had backed the voice of Women's team for 'equal pay'. Also read: United States men's team slams US soccer, backs 'equal pay' for women national team In a strong statement released on the website of the US National Soccer Team Players Association, the men squad had joined the reigning World Champions in their fight for equal pay. The men's team said: "We do not want a US Soccer Federation that behaves like FIFA." Rapinoe has played a significant role in this dispute and is leading the demands for equality. She told the reporters ahead of the USA's SheBelieves Cup opener that she was grateful to the men's team for their support. Megan said: "It was much appreciated". "(The men) have been a little light on statements before, you need to be educated if you weigh in and it seems like they took time to make the statement they wanted but I have been saying for a long time that we all have to stand together. "They think they deserve more money too and they said that. If they are being underpaid we are likely being underpaid too so it was a nice show of support and I look forward to more solidarity between the two teams." 28 members of the US women's team has to file class-action gender discrimination against US Soccer Federation. The trial is expected to begin in May.

'It was much appreciated', says Megan Rapinoe after men show solidarity for equal pay

Lionel Messi won the FIFA Men's Player of the Year award on Monday with Megan Rapinoe bagging the women's prize to cap a historic year for the United States' World Cup icon.

Barcelona striker Messi's victory in Milan was a surprise as he edged out Virgil Van Dijk, who won the UEFA player's award last month after helping Liverpool to the Champions League last season.

Juventus's forward Cristiano Ronaldo had also been shortlisted for the award but did not attend the ceremony as he lost out to his rival in the famous La Scala opera house.

Both Messi, 32, and Van Dijk, 28, are now in the running for the coveted Ballon d'Or which will be announced on December 2.

Rapinoe beat fellow World Cup winner Alex Morgan and England's Lucy Bronze to the women's title, with US coach Jill Ellis winning women's coaching award.

The 34-year-old Rapinoe won the Golden Boot for being top scorer and the Golden Ball for the best player at the World Cup, and also became the face of the tournament for her outspoken views on US President Donald Trump.

Messi was top scorer in the Champions League last season with 12 goals before Barcelona were dumped out by Liverpool in the semi-finals, Barca throwing away a three-goal first-leg lead with a humiliating 4-0 defeat at Anfield.

The Argentine also won the European Golden Shoe after scoring 36 goals, won La Liga title with Barcelona and helped Argentina to bronze at 2019 Copa America.

Van Dijk had been bidding to become just the second defender -- after Italian Fabio Cannavaro in 2006 -- to be recognised by FIFA as the world's best player.

And he missed out on completing a treble for Liverpool with manager Jurgen Klopp winning the men's coach of the year award and Alisson Becker the goalkeeper prize.

Klopp won the Champions League with Liverpool ahead of two other Premier League coaches -- Tottenham's Mauricio Pochettino, who reached the European final, and Manchester City's Pep Guardiola.

"It is great, nobody expected this 20, 10, five, four years ago that I would be standing here," said the 52-year-old German who joined Liverpool in 2015.

"I have to say thank you to my outstanding club Liverpool FC. Those who don't love it don't have a heart.

"As a coach you can only be as good as your team. I'm really proud of being coach of such an incredible bunch of players."

Two-time women's World Cup-winning coach Ellis, beat Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman, runner-up in France 2019, and England's Phil Neville for the award.

"The World Cup really was a showcase, the world fell even more in love with the game," said 53-year-old Ellis, who will step down from the team in October.

Romanian-born Hungarian forward Daniel Zsori won the Fifa Puskas Award for the best goal, beating strikes from Messi and Juan Fernando Quintero.

The 18-year-old forward, on his debut, scored a spectacular overhead kick to win the game for his side Debrecen against Ferencvaros in stoppage time.

Lionel Messi won the FIFA Men's Player of the Year award on Monday with Megan Rapinoe bagging the women's prize to cap a historic year for the United States' World Cup icon.

Lionel Messi won the FIFA Men's Player of the Year award on Monday with Megan Rapinoe bagging the women's prize to cap a historic year for the United States' World Cup icon. Barcelona striker Messi's victory in Milan was a surprise as he edged out Virgil Van Dijk, who won the UEFA player's award last month after helping Liverpool to the Champions League last season. Juventus's forward Cristiano Ronaldo had also been shortlisted for the award but did not attend the ceremony as he lost out to his rival in the famous La Scala opera house. Both Messi, 32, and Van Dijk, 28, are now in the running for the coveted Ballon d'Or which will be announced on December 2. Rapinoe beat fellow World Cup winner Alex Morgan and England's Lucy Bronze to the women's title, with US coach Jill Ellis winning women's coaching award. The 34-year-old Rapinoe won the Golden Boot for being top scorer and the Golden Ball for the best player at the World Cup, and also became the face of the tournament for her outspoken views on US President Donald Trump. Messi was top scorer in the Champions League last season with 12 goals before Barcelona were dumped out by Liverpool in the semi-finals, Barca throwing away a three-goal first-leg lead with a humiliating 4-0 defeat at Anfield. The Argentine also won the European Golden Shoe after scoring 36 goals, won La Liga title with Barcelona and helped Argentina to bronze at 2019 Copa America. Van Dijk had been bidding to become just the second defender -- after Italian Fabio Cannavaro in 2006 -- to be recognised by FIFA as the world's best player. And he missed out on completing a treble for Liverpool with manager Jurgen Klopp winning the men's coach of the year award and Alisson Becker the goalkeeper prize. Klopp won the Champions League with Liverpool ahead of two other Premier League coaches -- Tottenham's Mauricio Pochettino, who reached the European final, and Manchester City's Pep Guardiola. "It is great, nobody expected this 20, 10, five, four years ago that I would be standing here," said the 52-year-old German who joined Liverpool in 2015. "I have to say thank you to my outstanding club Liverpool FC. Those who don't love it don't have a heart. "As a coach you can only be as good as your team. I'm really proud of being coach of such an incredible bunch of players." Two-time women's World Cup-winning coach Ellis, beat Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman, runner-up in France 2019, and England's Phil Neville for the award. "The World Cup really was a showcase, the world fell even more in love with the game," said 53-year-old Ellis, who will step down from the team in October. Romanian-born Hungarian forward Daniel Zsori won the Fifa Puskas Award for the best goal, beating strikes from Messi and Juan Fernando Quintero. The 18-year-old forward, on his debut, scored a spectacular overhead kick to win the game for his side Debrecen against Ferencvaros in stoppage time.

Messi, Rapinoe win FIFA Player of the Year awards

After clinching a historic fourth World Cup soccer title, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-spat-with-soccer-star-rapinoe-trump-may-invite-us-womens-world-cup-winning-team-to-white-house-233888">US soccer star&nbsp;Megan Rapinoe</a> waded into the confrontation with Trump declaring that she won't be visiting the White House even as President Trump congratulated the winning team on Monday.

"I held up my end of the bargain for sure. We did it all, we won it all," Rapinoe said, adding, "I think everybody is with me. We don't want to go to the White House."

"So I figured that's why the invitation hasn't come, may be sent by mail and it's just sort of slowly to get here. But I doubt it. But I think we will at some point be going to Washington," she told reporters after arriving in the US.

Rapinoe was engulfed in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tells-us-womens-soccer-star-rapinoe-not-to-disrespect-country-230684">controversy with President Trump </a>after she declared that even if the US won the World Cup she won't be going to the White House to meet the US president. Trump shot back on Twitter saying she shouldn't "disrespect the country, White House or the flag".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congratulations to the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team on winning the World Cup! Great and exciting play. America is proud of you all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1147946170293071872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In the same series of tweets, Trump had announced he was inviting the US women's team to the White House and had added: "I am a big fan."

Rapinoe had said: "I'm not going to the fucking White House," the US co-captain exclaimed in the clip on Eight by Eight, a football magazine. "No. I'm not going to the White House."

On asked by reporters that Senator Chuck Schumer had invited her to Capitol Hill, Rapinoe added enthusiastically: "That's great. I love that. Interesting to see what McConnell (US&nbsp;Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell) does. Thank you, Chuck Schumer, for inviting us out. We are very happy to accept your invitation to come."

However, on Trump and the White House visit, Rapinoe appeared to stick to her guns. The World Cup star was backed by her teammate Alex Morgan who said she didn't believe in a lot of things that President Trump had put in place.

"There's a lot of things that President Trump, you know, has put in place that I don't stand for," Morgan said while holding the World Cup trophy.&nbsp;

"I don't feel necessarily welcome there(at the White House) and so I don't believe that I will be individually attending. I think, you know, in the past we've all decided as a team so we'll have to see that in the future," she added.

After clinching a historic fourth World Cup soccer title, US soccer star Megan Rapinoe waded into the confrontation with Trump declaring that she won't be visiting the White House even as President Trump congratulated the winning team on Monday.

After clinching a historic fourth World Cup soccer title, US soccer star Megan Rapinoe waded into the confrontation with Trump declaring that she won't be visiting the White House even as President Trump congratulated the winning team on Monday. "I held up my end of the bargain for sure. We did it all, we won it all," Rapinoe said, adding, "I think everybody is with me. We don't want to go to the White House." "So I figured that's why the invitation hasn't come, may be sent by mail and it's just sort of slowly to get here. But I doubt it. But I think we will at some point be going to Washington," she told reporters after arriving in the US. Rapinoe was engulfed in a controversy with President Trump after she declared that even if the US won the World Cup she won't be going to the White House to meet the US president. Trump shot back on Twitter saying she shouldn't "disrespect the country, White House or the flag". Congratulations to the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team on winning the World Cup! Great and exciting play. America is proud of you all! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 7, 2019 × In the same series of tweets, Trump had announced he was inviting the US women's team to the White House and had added: "I am a big fan." Rapinoe had said: "I'm not going to the fucking White House," the US co-captain exclaimed in the clip on Eight by Eight, a football magazine. "No. I'm not going to the White House." On asked by reporters that Senator Chuck Schumer had invited her to Capitol Hill, Rapinoe added enthusiastically: "That's great. I love that. Interesting to see what McConnell (US Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell) does. Thank you, Chuck Schumer, for inviting us out. We are very happy to accept your invitation to come." However, on Trump and the White House visit, Rapinoe appeared to stick to her guns. The World Cup star was backed by her teammate Alex Morgan who said she didn't believe in a lot of things that President Trump had put in place. "There's a lot of things that President Trump, you know, has put in place that I don't stand for," Morgan said while holding the World Cup trophy. "I don't feel necessarily welcome there(at the White House) and so I don't believe that I will be individually attending. I think, you know, in the past we've all decided as a team so we'll have to see that in the future," she added.

I held up my end of the bargain, don't want to go to the White House: Rapinoe after winning women's World Cup

US President Donald Trump praised the women's national soccer team in the wake of their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/usa-win-womens-world-cup-after-beating-netherlands-2-0-in-final-233834">World Cup triumph on Sunday</a> and said he would look into inviting them to the White House, just days after a spat with the captain.

"Congratulations to the US Women's Soccer Team on winning the World Cup! Great and exciting play. America is proud of you all!" tweeted Trump, who had exchanged barbs with player of the tournament Megan Rapinoe during the finals in France.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congratulations to the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team on winning the World Cup! Great and exciting play. America is proud of you all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1147946170293071872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

After Rapinoe, who led her side to victory on Sunday, told a reporter last month she would not go to the White House if the team were invited, Trump fired off a series of tweets saying: "Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job!..."

"Megan should never disrespect our Country, the White House, or our Flag, especially since so much has been done for her &amp; the team. Be proud of the Flag that you wear. The USA is doing GREAT!"

He went on to promise a White House invitation to the team "win or lose."

However, when asked by reporters on Sunday if Trump would invite the team to the White House, he said, "We haven't really thought about it. We will look at that."

English-born US&nbsp;national team coach Jill Ellis said she would not bet on an invite.

The United States duly claimed their fourth World Cup title with a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands in Lyon, with goals from Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle.

Former US presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton also tweeted their congratulations, along with numerous other politicians, athletes and celebrities.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Yes! Fourth star. Back to back. Congrats to the record breakers on the <a href="https://twitter.com/USWNT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USWNT</a>, an incredible team that’s always pushing themselves—and the rest of us—to be even better. Love this team. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneNationOneTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneNationOneTeam</a>
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1147918213952360448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Trump also waded into the female athlete pay debate, saying that he "would like to see" women paid as much as their male counterparts, but noted that further study was needed.

Rapinoe on Saturday took aim at world soccer's governing body FIFA over a sizeable gap in the prize money offered to women's World cup champions compared to male winners.

US President Donald Trump praised the women's national soccer team in the wake of their World Cup triumph on Sunday and said he would look into inviting them to the White House, just days after a spat with the captain.

US President Donald Trump praised the women's national soccer team in the wake of their World Cup triumph on Sunday and said he would look into inviting them to the White House, just days after a spat with the captain. "Congratulations to the US Women's Soccer Team on winning the World Cup! Great and exciting play. America is proud of you all!" tweeted Trump, who had exchanged barbs with player of the tournament Megan Rapinoe during the finals in France. Congratulations to the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team on winning the World Cup! Great and exciting play. America is proud of you all! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 7, 2019 × After Rapinoe, who led her side to victory on Sunday, told a reporter last month she would not go to the White House if the team were invited, Trump fired off a series of tweets saying: "Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job!..." "Megan should never disrespect our Country, the White House, or our Flag, especially since so much has been done for her & the team. Be proud of the Flag that you wear. The USA is doing GREAT!" He went on to promise a White House invitation to the team "win or lose." However, when asked by reporters on Sunday if Trump would invite the team to the White House, he said, "We haven't really thought about it. We will look at that." English-born US national team coach Jill Ellis said she would not bet on an invite. The United States duly claimed their fourth World Cup title with a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands in Lyon, with goals from Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle. Former US presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton also tweeted their congratulations, along with numerous other politicians, athletes and celebrities. Yes! Fourth star. Back to back. Congrats to the record breakers on the @USWNT, an incredible team that’s always pushing themselves—and the rest of us—to be even better. Love this team. #OneNationOneTeam — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 7, 2019 × Trump also waded into the female athlete pay debate, saying that he "would like to see" women paid as much as their male counterparts, but noted that further study was needed. Rapinoe on Saturday took aim at world soccer's governing body FIFA over a sizeable gap in the prize money offered to women's World cup champions compared to male winners.

After spat with soccer star Rapinoe, Trump may invite US women's World Cup winning team to White House

rapinoe

Rapinoe, News on Rapinoe, stories on Rapinoe, articles on Rapinoe, Rapinoe stories at Wion, Rapinoe news, Rapinoe latest news