Three United States players are among the eight finalists for the Golden Ball at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, an award given to the tournament. Midfielders Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe are on the list, along with defender Julie Johnston (her fellow centerback, Becky Sauerbrunn, is noticeably absent from the list).
Hope Solo is also a finalist for the Golden Glove, given to the best goalkeeper of the tournament. FIFA’s technical sturdy group picked the finalists and will decide on the winners.
The shortlists for the Golden Ball (8), Golden Glove (3) and Young Player (3) awards are as follows:
Candidates for the adidas Golden Ball at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ (in alphabetical order):
- Saori ARIYOSHI (JPN)
- Lucy BRONZE (ENG)
- Amandine HENRY (FRA)
- Julie JOHNSTON (USA)
- Carli LLOYD (USA)
- Aya MIYAMA (JPN)
- Megan RAPINOE (USA)
- Celia SASIC (GER)
The adidas Golden Ball will be awarded to the best player of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™. The adidas Silver and Bronze Ball Awards will be presented to the second and third-best players.
Candidates for the adidas Golden Glove at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ (in alphabetical order):
- Nadine ANGERER (GER)
- Ayumi KAIHORI (JPN)
- Hope SOLO (USA)
The adidas Golden Glove will be presented to the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
Candidates for the Hyundai Young Player Award at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ (in alphabetical order):
- Kadeisha BUCHANAN (CAN)
- Ada HEGERBERG (NOR)
- Jiali TANG (CHN)
The Hyundai Young Player Award will be presented to the best young footballer born on or after July 1, 1995.
