Megan Rapinoe had a decorated 2019 season despite not being the best footballer in the world and she has spoken out about it to Guardian Sport.
"I'm not out here being like: 'I'm the best player,'" said Rapinoe. "I'm probably not even the best player on my team, much less the best player in the world."
Rapinoe was handed The Best FIFA Women's Player award and the Women's Ballon d'Or earlier this year. In addition, the American forward was named the Guardian Footballer of the Year becoming the fourth recipient of this award following Fabio Pisacane, Juan Mata and Khadija "Bunny" Shaw. But thriving under pressure is what set the USA apart in France 2019 according to Rapinoe.
"There is no more pressure that anyone else can put on us that we haven't already put ourselves," said Rapinoe. "For us, it is a catastrophe if we don't win the World Cup. We feel it all the time."
Critics were quick to point out that three of her six FIFA Women's World Cup goals were converted from the penalty spot and her failure to assist any of the remaining 20 Team USA goals.
"We draw penalties and you have to score them," said Rapinoe.
In terms of individual awards, Rapinoe understands their value but admits she feels uncomfortable with them.
"It was such a massive team effort. I'm not out here thinking I'm Lionel Messi, you know?" said Rapinoe. "I'm not at that level but to be able to couple everything together is the most important thing; we are seeing the world change around us and we're a big part of it. That feeling is almost addictive and motivating."
Rapinoe took some time to put words together to explain how she felt about winning the Women's Ballon d'Or via an Instagram post on December 2. In her humble post, she dedicated the award to the team and each of the individual's friends, girlfriends, boyfriends, wives, husbands and the thousands of fans.
She has given credit to everyone except herself for her individual awards.
