Khadija Shaw Dominates Shortlist for WSL Player of the Season
Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw has been named among the eight finalists for the 2025-26 Women’s Super League (WSL) Player of the Season award. At just 29 years old, Shaw is on track to clinch her third consecutive Golden Boot, having netted an impressive 19 goals in 21 appearances. Her prolific scoring has been instrumental in guiding City to their first league title since 2016, underscoring her significance in the squad.
Earlier this May, Shaw also took home the Football Writers’ Association Women’s Footballer of the Year award, further highlighting her extraordinary performance this season. Her ability to consistently find the back of the net has made her a key asset, showcasing both her technical skill and tactical awareness on the pitch.
Joining Shaw on the shortlist is her teammate Kerstin Casparij, whose contributions from the defensive line include ten goal involvements. Their combined efforts highlight Manchester City’s well-rounded attack and how defenders can significantly impact offensive play. Additionally, Aston Villa’s Kirsty Hanson, currently the league’s second-highest scorer with 12 goals, and Arsenal forward Alessia Russo also make the list, reflecting the competitive nature of this season.
The shortlist also features notable talents such as Manchester United midfielder Jess Park, Chelsea striker Alyssa Thompson, Tottenham winger Olivia Holdt, and Everton defender Ruby Mace, each of whom have made substantial contributions to their respective teams. Their performances underline the depth of talent in the league, increasing the anticipation surrounding the awards.
For the WSL Rising Star category, Arsenal’s Olivia Smith leads the nominations after her record-breaking transfer from Liverpool for £1 million last summer. The Canadian international has showcased her prowess by scoring five goals and providing three assists in 19 appearances, establishing herself as one of the league’s most promising young talents.
Also on the Rising Star shortlist is Everton’s Ornella Vignola, who made headlines with a hat-trick debut in the Merseyside derby, alongside Chelsea’s 20-year-old defender Veerle Buurman. This highlights the influx of young talent making waves in the league, setting a promising tone for the future of women’s football.
Completing the nominees list are Manchester United’s Anna Sandberg, Brighton teenager Emilie Gay, West Ham’s Leila Wandeler, and Aston Villa midfielder Lucia Kendall, each noted for their impactful performances this season.
In the race for the WSL Golden Glove, goalkeepers Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United), and Ayaka Yamashita (Manchester City) are tied with seven clean sheets each. With one game remaining, the competition among these shot-stoppers remains intense, signaling the importance of defensive strength in title races.
The winners across the 17 different categories will be announced on May 18, adding another layer of excitement to the ceremony, which will also honor Casey Stoney, Kerys Harrop, and Matt Beard with inductions into the WSL Hall of Fame, celebrating their invaluable contributions to women’s football.
