Scotland captain lands prestigious award for third time but has eyes on bigger prize

Scotland captain Caroline Weir has set her sights on emulating the men's side after being recognised as the Scottish Football Writers' Association Women's International Player of the Year.

The Real Madrid attacker has been honoured for a third time following a stellar year where she became the Spanish club's all-time leading goalscorer and the first Scot to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or Feminan.

The 30-year-old was installed as captain by Scotland boss Melissa Andreatta and scored her first international hat-trick as Scotland opened their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 5-0 away win over Luxembourg.

They bettered that scoreline in the return fixture at Hampden, triumphing 7-0 as Weir led from the front. Earlier this month, they added two draws against Belgium to top their qualifying group.

Scotland's Caroline Weir has been awarded the Scottish Football Writers' Association International Women's Player of the Year. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group) | SNS Group

Weir, who has 118 caps, said: "Just to represent Scotland is a huge privilege, and then to be named as captain by Mel is a very proud moment for me and my family. "Obviously, it's a massive year for us. It was really important (to get off to a positive start in the WC campaign).

"We wanted to hit the ground running. We put a lot of groundwork in at the end of last year when Mel came in but obviously where it counts is in competitive matches."

Weir described receiving the Albert Bartlett SFWA Women's International Player of the Year award as "an honour" and is now looking to follow in the footsteps of her male counterparts by qualifying for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

“I think what the men have achieved has been unbelievable," she said. "What that does for football fans in Scotland, and for the country as a whole, is amazing to see.

"That Denmark game was so special and now the preparation going into the World Cup for them is so exciting.

"Of course, it makes us want it even more. We want to be part of that. We want to be doing it this time next year. Of course I'm dreaming about it. We all are. We all want to be there.

"And, yeah, I believe we have enough to get there but we need to make it count when it matters."

The award will be presented at the SFWA’s 60th annual dinner at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel on Sunday, May 17.