There was also success for swimmer Caeleb Dressel and diver Delaney Schnell, the winners of the men's and women's honours respectively following their fine displays at the World Aquatics Championships in Gwangju.

Coached by Jill Scott, the footballers defended their World Cup title after beating The Netherlands 2-0 in the final in Lyon.

Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle scored the goals after the US had earlier knocked out England in the semi-finals in France.

Their win means they have won the flagship tournament four times in all.

Dressel was recognised after an incredible six golds in Gwangju among a record haul of eight medals in all.

Three of his titles came in a single night as he won the 100 metres butterfly, 50m freestyle and mixed 4x100m freestyle relay.

He also won the 100m freestyle, 50m butterfly and 4x100m freestyle relay titles to be named swimmer of the meet in South Korea.

Schnell won the women's prize after becoming the first American woman in 14 years to earn a World Championship medal in the women's 10m platform.

She scored 364.20 points to finish third behind Chinese duo Chen Yuxi and Lu Wei.

Her performance also secured the US a quota spot for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Nominees for the awards, run by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, are compiled after sporting governing bodies are given the opportunity to put forward one man, woman and team.

Winners are decided following votes from governing body representatives and the media, which account for 50 per cent, and fans who account for the other half.