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FIFA, soccer's international governing , has named Japan’s captain Homare Sawa as the Women's World Player of the Year. The 33-year-old scooped the , known by the French the Ballon d’Or, for her country to Japan’s first ever World Cup Finals triumph in July last year. She won the best player and scorer awards at that tournament. Ms Sawa wore a blue kimono at the prize-giving ceremony. She next to Lionel Messi, who won the men’s award for the third year in a . An emotional Sawa told the audience: “I feel very to have been given this honor. I'd like to thank all those who have helped me to play soccer….I hope our football has given a chance for future players and children to ."

Sawa is the first Asian player to the award. She beat Brazil’s Marta, who was best player in the world for the five years. Japanese Aya Miyama came fourth. Sawa later tribute to the Brazilian ace at a news conference, saying: “I am proud to be here today alongside legends as Marta.” Japan picked another two awards at the ceremony. Norio Sasaki, manager of the women’s team, was of the year, and the Japan Football Association was chosen for FIFA’s Fair Play award. Mr Sasaki thanked those who supported Japan the earthquake and tsunami that struck in March 2011. He said: "We provided excitement for Japanese people and boosted their .”