Hina Sugita is a bona fide rising star of world football. Winning the adidas Golden Ball at U-17 level, as she did two years ago at Costa Rica 2014 is one thing. Repeating the feat at U-20 level is quite simply remarkable. But that is exactly what Su.
Asia’s young starlets shine
The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Papua New Guinea 2016 has finally drawn to a close after 32 matches. The tournament was crowned by an enthralling final between France and Korea DPR, who lifted the trophy for the second time since 2006 after clinching a 3-1 win.
While football is a team sport, several young players were recognised for particularly outstanding performances on the pitch along the way. Japan’s Hina Sugita was named as player of the tournament ahead of newly crowned world champion Kim So Hyang, Mylene Chavas collected the accolade for best goalkeeper and the Young Nadeshiko topped the fair play list compiled and monitored by FIFA’s Technical Studies Group (TSG).