CanWNT's Fleming rewarded for patience, paying her dues in Europe

Jessie Fleming was recently announced as the 2021 Canada Soccer Player of the Year. Fleming won the national award for the first time after leading Canada in matches, starts and minutes played while also co-leading Canada in goals scored. She also helped Chelsea FC win the FA Women's Super League, the FA Cup, the FA League Cup, and reach the Final of 2020-21 UEFA Champions League.

Fleming scored four goals for Canada in 2021, including penalty goals in the 1:0 victory over USA and the 1:1 equalizer against Sweden in the Olympic Final before Canada won 3-2 on kicks to capture gold. The win over USA in the Olympic Semi-Final was Canada's first victory against their Concacaf rivals in 20 years.

Across the year for Canada, Fleming played in 17 matches, made 16 starts, featured in 1,481 minutes, and also helped Canada set a Women's National Team record with a 12-match unbeaten streak from April through October. Fleming was honoured from a vote shared by Canadian media and Canadian coaches.

The Canada Soccer Players of the Year Award is shared by winners from both the Women's National Team and Men's National Team, with Alphonso Davies the co-winner from the 2021 calendar year.