Full-backs vying for football’s biggest individual awards can be considered a little out of the ordinary. Then again, Lucy Bronze is no ordinary full-back.

Strength, skill, athleticism and intelligence make the England star a force to be reckoned with in all areas of the pitch, and she had long been regarded as one of the world’s foremost players. Now, having become the first defender to be named UEFA Women’s Player of the Year in 2019 – and after another glittering season at club level – Bronze finds herself among The Best finalists for a second successive year.

Tuesday 11 August Coupe de France Féminine final Lyon 0-0 PSG (5-4 PSO)

Bronze played a central role as Lyon clinched their second successive domestic double. She kept PSG at bay over 120 minutes before coolly slotting home a penalty in the shoot-out that decided the final in her team’s favour.

Saturday 30 August UEFA Women’s Champions League final Wolfsburg 1-3 Lyon

Winning the Champions League was Bronze’s stated aim when she signed for Lyon in 2017. As it was, she achieved that ambition three times over, and her third and final European crown came after a typically impressive performance against Wolfsburg. The England defender helped subdue Pernille Harder, a fellow finalist for The Best FIFA Women’s World Player, as Lyon maintained their grip on the continent’s top prize.

Sunday 1 November Women’s FA Cup final Everton 1-3 Manchester City

Having left Lyon clutching nine winner’s medals from a near-perfect three-year spell, Bronze maintained that happy trophy-lifting habit at the first attempt in her second spell with Manchester City. Her athleticism proved crucial as City prevailed in extra time against Everton, enabling their big summer signing to win the competition for the second time in her career.

“When I left Man City, I had established myself in the squad and was known a little bit around the world but definitely wasn’t what you’d call a superstar. I think it’s when I’ve been at Lyon, I’ve managed to take my game to another level that I’ve felt things change.

“I always set out to prove to people that I’m more than a right-back. This position isn’t one where I’m going to be pushed into the corner. A lot of teams have wanted me because they know I’m good but I want to show them that I’m better than that.

“People write you off as a right back. The superstar is the striker or the playmaker. I’ve always looked at that and thought, ‘That’s great but I can have a massive effect on this game’. With every manager I’ve had to get my point across to show people what I’m about. I know how good I am but I don’t know if they’ve experienced everything about my game. It’s so easy for defenders to be just thought of as part of the puzzle rather than instrumental to success.”

"Lucy Bronze is the best player in the world, without a shadow of a doubt. I’ve said it once, I’ve said it three times. There’s no player like her.”

Phil Neville, England manager

"She is an unrivalled talent and her endless individual and team awards only scratch the surface of what a superb player she is, not only at club level, but also internationally with England."

Gareth Taylor, Manchester City manager

“She is very driven and wants to be the best. She is very competitive no matter whether it's a 10m race, or a game of cards. I think you always want her on your team. I'm privileged to play alongside her."

Steph Houghton, Manchester City and England team-mate

“She’s got everything. She plays at full-back and changes games. She plays in midfield and runs games. She’s such a complete footballer.”

Izzy Christiansen, England team-mate

All winners, including those of the FIFA Fan Award and the FIFA Fair Play Award, will be crowned on 17 December 2020 in a TV show broadcast live, starting at 19:00 CET.

To keep up with the latest news about The Best FIFA Football Awards™, visit FIFA.com, The Best FIFA Football Awards™ official Facebook page, FIFA on Twitter and FIFA on YouTube.

Join the discussion about who should win this year’s awards by using the hashtag #TheBest.