According to popular wisdom, it is always best to bow out on a high note. Translated into the sporting world, that means players should retire at their peak, and in a sense that is exactly what Nadine Kessler did - even if she did not do so voluntarily. In 2014 the then 26-year-old was named FIFA Women's World Player of the Year, but was subsequently unable to return to the spotlight.
Having been plagued by injuries, the Germany international hung up her boots in April 2016. "The last two years have been the most difficult of my life," the 2013 European Championship winner told FIFA.com, her voice trembling with emotion as she recalled making the difficult decision. "I fought against it a lot. I still had a lot of aims and I really tried everything but my body just didn't let me continue. At some point in your life unfortunately you just have to be sensible and say 'OK, it's over'."
Nevertheless, Kessler harbours no bitterness: "I'm thankful for everything I had because it was wonderful. Winning the award was a very nice way to bow out." On 9 January 2017 at The Best FIFA Football Awards™, the next successor to the 2014 winner will be announced.
The former midfielder may not have a particular favourite to take the prize this time, but in the video above she does reveal who she would be especially happy for the trophy to go to. Furthermore, she gives a first-hand account of what the accolade means for players and women's football as a whole.
Indescribable experience As the awards draw ever closer, the four-time German champion remembers her moment in the limelight increasingly frequently. "I was just speechless, it was overwhelming," she said of the instant her name was called out and then as she made her way to the stage.
"I was in another world and was absolutely beside myself." At the time she was unable to fully grasp what was happening, and it only sank in a while later when she spoke with her mother and siblings and could hear their delight. "That's when I realised 'wow, this is the biggest moment of your life'," she said. "Nothing compares to it, it's a wonderful feeling."
Two years later, Kessler's life is now very different, although women's football still forms a big part of her everyday activities: "I've taken on different ambassadorial roles and want to do everything I can to help us develop."
The three-time UEFA Women's Champions League winner retains the same ambition she used to show out on the pitch, and resting on her laurels is inconceivable for the former Wolfsburg player.
"For me it's very difficult to start a day without knowing what I'm fighting for," she said. "I try a lot of stuff and try to take inspiration from different things and tasks. I try to involve myself a great deal in social projects and football helps tremendously in that regard. You can break the ice after just a few minutes with football. That's what sets the game apart."