Culture

Beth Mead crowned Sports Personality of the Year 2022

By Zoya Raza-Sheikh

22nd December 2022

Credit: Arsenal

Beth Mead has made history as the first women’s footballer to win the Sports Personality of the Year award.

Arsenal Women’s forward Mead has had an incredible year. The 27-year-old ranked as the top scorer and player at Euro 2022 tournament. Mead, who is part of England’s Lionesses, supported her team in defeating Germany to take home the trophy at Wembley.

Following Mead’s win, England cricket’s Test captain Ben Stokes was awarded second spot and Winter Olympics curling champion Eve Muirhead placed third.

“I’m incredibly honoured to win this award,” said Mead while accepting her award. “I wouldn’t have done it without the girls. The team have backed me. Yes, I’ve won this accolade, I’ve scored a few goals but I wouldn’t have done it without them.

“This is for women’s sport and women’s sport heading in the right direction. Let’s keep pushing girls, let’s keep doing the right thing.”

Taking to Twitter, the footballer also shared a heartfelt announcement: “Wow wow wow, still canโ€™t quite believe it. Thank you so so much to everyone who voted for me, I am truly humbled & honoured to win such an iconic award. Womenโ€™s sport is well and truly on the up.”

Mead has had a stand out year. Alongside England’s Euro 2022 win, the footballer won the Golden Boot with six goals and five assists.

The Euros win marked the first big league trophy for the Lionesses and first win since the men won the 1966 World Cup, according to BBC Sport.

Mead was also named Arsenal’s player of the season and came second for the prestigious the Ballon d’Or Feminin award.

Keep reading to see which other sportspeople were honoured at the Sports Personality of the Year awards.

Helen Rollason Award: Rob Burrow

Coach of the Year: Sarina Wiegman

Team of the Year: England Women

Young Sports Personality of the Year: Jessica Gadirova

Lifetime Achievement: Usain Bolt

Unsung Hero: Mike Alden

World Sport Star: Lionel Messi