FIFA World Player Gala 2005
Birgit Prinz has been voted FIFA Women's World Player for the third consecutive year. 28-year-old German international, Prinz (513 points), came out on top ahead of Brazil's Marta (429 points), who claimed second place after finishing third in the voting last year. The women's trio was completed by the USA's Shannon Boxx (235 points). After winning the German championship with 1. FFC Frankfurt and the European Championships in England with Germany, the goal-getter's excellent personal performances have now also been rewarded. FIFA.com spoke with the delighted winner after the ceremony.
What does this third consecutive title mean to you?
It is a great honour and recognition to have won this title again. There are now a great number of very good women's footballers around the world, and to come out on top again in the face of such competition really is something.
How do you rate the two players you were up against, Marta and Shannon Boxx?
Both of them are very good players who have proved their worth on a number of occasions. The things Marta can do when she is on the ball are fantastic, no-one can do what she does so quickly. And Shannon has such presence on the pitch. She is uncannily strong in the air and in tackles. She's a real personality.
Was it an advantage for you to be able to prove yourself at the highest level at the European Championships?
It certainly was, and that is somewhat of a problem in women's football. In the years when there is no World Cup or Olympic football tournament, it really is difficult to judge the other players. Thanks to the Euro, I had a chance to put myself forward which the others didn't have.
You always serve your team very well and have said that success is not possible in football without teamwork. Winning this award three years in a row, however, means success on a personal level...
I really do believe that team spirit is incredibly important. Obviously I have managed to play an important role within the squad and yes, I am an important element, but when all is said and done, it is a team sport.
You have won almost everything there is to win - an Olympic gold medal is all that is missing from Birgit Prinz's trophy cabinet. Is that your next main aim?
First of all, I want to stay free of injury and keep enjoying my football. Those are the two most important factors for me, as if I am healthy and having fun, then I play better.
To win a major tournament, you not only have to play well, but you have to have a good team and also a bit of luck at the right moment.
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Well judging by the poll in the other thread, the majority of us here at SP predicted this one a mile off. Prinz is the outstanding player in the world at the moment and this victory just underlines the gap between her and the rest
