Much of the fanfare in the aftermath of the 2016 AFC Awards in Abu Dhabi predictably centred around Omar Abdulrahman.
The 25-year-old became only the second UAE player to win the AFC Player of the Year award after Ahmed Khalil took home the trophy last year.
However, Caitlin Foord was crowned Player of the Year in the Women’s category, making history in the process.
The Australian international became the first woman to win the Youth Player of the Year and Player of the Year award after earning the former accolade back in 2011 at the age of 16.
She did however face stiff competition from compatriot Lisa De Vanna and China’s Tan Ruyin but revealed that an injury earlier on this year turned out to be a blessing in disguise that may have given her the edge.
“I think earlier on this year, I had broken my collar bone and was pushing to be back for the Olympic qualifiers. I had to be in the gym a lot to stay fit and I’m not normally one to be in the gym so I think that gave me an edge.
“I was stronger when I got out on the pitch and I really noticed it within my game.”
Speaking with AFC Player of the Year @CaitlinFoord was the highlight of the awards. Even topped the beef short ribs. pic.twitter.com/0uDnGg65Ri
— Brendon Netto (@BrendonNetto) December 1, 2016
Having burst onto the seen as a teenager, when she became the youngest Australian to play at the World Cup, Foord had a few words of wisdom for young girls in Asia aspiring to become professional footballers.
“Like I keep saying, if they love it then follow it. You get knocked down a few times but just keep going. And for me, I play my best football when I’m having fun so if they’re having fun then keep going.”
While the 22-year-old confessed she didn’t have an idol in women’s football in particular when growing up, she revealed her admiration for USA legend Carli Lloyd.
“To be honest, I didn’t really have one (an idol). These days, obviously, Cali Lloyd. I know her personally and know how hard she works. I see the hard yards she puts in and then look at the awards she’s won like the World Cup and World Player.
“I can see why she’s got there so it’s inspired me to want to work harder on my own.”
