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Manchester City defender Lucy Bronze has been crowned as the best women's player in the world - the first English player to win The Best FIFA Football Award.

Bronze saw off the challenge of Denmark's Pernille Harder and France's Wendie Renard to claim the award at a virtual ceremony in Zurich.

The 29-year-old, who kicked off the week by dropping in to Women in Football's festive online catch-up, spoke of her delight at claiming the most prestigious honour in football.

"I don't think I have the words right now to explain how I am feeling," said Bronze. "If there is anything 2020 has taught us, it is to appreciate every moment you have, never look too far ahead and live in the here and now.

"I will appreciate winning this award now more than ever and I will remember this moment for the rest of my life."

The honour follows a superb spell with Olympique Lyonnais before she returned to England with Manchester City.

Bayern Munich and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski was named the best men's player.

Both Bronze and Chelsea defender Millie Bright were also named in the FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11, joining the likes of Vivianne Miedema (Arsenal WFC), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns/Manchester United WFC) and Barbara Bonansea (Juventus Women).

Netherlands national coach Sarina Wiegman took The Best FIFA Women’s Coach for the second time having previously won in 2017. Wiegman will take over from Phil Neville as England boss next year. Jurden Klopp claimed the Men's Award.

France and Olympique Lyonnais’ Sarah Bouhaddi capped an incredible career with The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper Award while Germany and FC Bayern München’s Manuel Neuer took the Men’s title.

In a year that saw three women nominated for the first time in the FIFA Puskás Award category, the honour went to Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min for his sensational solo effort at Burnley in December 2019.

The FIFA Fan Award went to Marivaldo Francisco da Silva (Brazil), while Italy's Mattia Agnese claimed the FIFA Fair Play Award.

For a full list of winners head over to fifa.com.

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