England and Chelsea footballer Anita Asante has spoken of her delight at winning the Cyrille Regis Players' Award at the Football Black List celebration, beating Manchester City star Raheem Sterling.

Asante was also up against Juventus footballer Eni Aluko, as well as Sterling's England team-mate Danny Rose. 

Asante told NewsChain: "I’m obviously really honoured to have been nominated in the first place and to have been recognised and worthy to have received an award such as this.

"It means a great deal to me and to be presented with it by Cyrille’s family was amazing. I’m truly grateful to know we’re as a community getting the opportunity to utilise our platform and be recognised for the work we do within our sport on and off the pitch."

This was the first time in its 11-year history that the list was made up of 50 per cent women. 

"I just think it's great to see that there are so many women that are doing amazing things within our sport," said Asante.

"Football historically has been recognised as a male-dominated sport but to have those names appear on a list means people are seeing them, they are visible and the work is being acknowledged."

Asante added: "For me personally it is just being visible and utilising as many opportunities that I have. And the platform that I am getting exposed to to use my voice and share my experiences. 

"I hope to achieve some of the things off the pitch in the near future and be able to contribute to the continual growth to especially the women's game."

The list was introduced by sports journalists Leon Mann and Rodney Hinds in 2008, with the aim to celebrate the most influential black people in the British game.