Khadija Shaw Leads WSL Player of the Season Shortlist as Manchester City Star Eyes Golden Boot

Khadija Shaw, the formidable striker for Manchester City, has been prominently featured on an eight-player shortlist for the prestigious 2025-26 Women's Super League (WSL) Player of the Season award. This nomination follows a remarkable campaign where Shaw has been instrumental in Manchester City's pursuit of their first league title since 2016, a testament to her consistent goal-scoring prowess and overall impact on the pitch.

Shaw's exceptional form has already earned her the Football Writers' Association Women's Footballer of the Year award earlier in May, highlighting her dominance in the women's game. Her inclusion on the WSL Player of the Season shortlist underscores her status as one of the league's most impactful players.

Golden Boot Contender

At 29 years old, Khadija Shaw is on the verge of securing her third consecutive WSL Golden Boot. She has netted an impressive 19 goals in just 21 appearances this season, a tally that has significantly contributed to Manchester City's strong title challenge. Her ability to consistently find the back of the net has made her a nightmare for opposition defences and a vital asset for her team.

The sheer volume of her goals has not only propelled City to the top of the table but also showcased her evolution as a complete forward capable of changing the course of critical matches. Her clinical finishing and tireless work rate have been a hallmark of her performances throughout the season.

Key facts

Other Nominees for Player of the Season

The shortlist for the WSL Player of the Season award features a diverse group of talent from across the league, reflecting the competitive nature of the 2025-26 campaign. Shaw's Manchester City teammate, Kerstin Casparij, has also been nominated. Casparij, a defender, has made a significant impact with 10 goal involvements, demonstrating her offensive contributions from the backline.

Aston Villa's Kirsty Hanson is another strong contender, sitting as the second-highest scorer in the league with 12 goals before the final matchday. Her consistent scoring has been crucial for Aston Villa. Arsenal forward Alessia Russo also makes the cut, recognized for her attacking contributions.

Midfield maestro Jess Park from Manchester United, Chelsea striker Alyssa Thompson, Tottenham winger Olivia Holdt, and Everton defender Ruby Mace complete the impressive eight-player shortlist, each having delivered standout performances for their respective clubs.

Rising Stars and Golden Glove Race

The awards ceremony will also acknowledge the league's emerging talent with the WSL Rising Star award. Arsenal's Olivia Smith, who joined from Liverpool for a record £1 million fee last summer, leads these nominations. The Canada international has already made a significant impact with five goals and three assists in 19 appearances, showcasing her potential.

Other rising stars include Everton's Ornella Vignola, who notably scored a hat-trick on her WSL debut in the Merseyside derby, and Chelsea's 20-year-old defender Veerle Buurman. Manchester United's Anna Sandberg, Brighton teenager Emilie Gay, West Ham forward Leila Wandeler, and Aston Villa midfielder Lucia Kendall also feature on the Rising Star shortlist.

In the race for the WSL Golden Glove, three goalkeepers are currently tied with seven clean sheets each with one game remaining: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United), and Ayaka Yamashita (Manchester City). The competition to be recognized as the league's top shot-stopper is fierce and will likely go down to the final match.

Awards Ceremony Details

The winners across 17 different categories will be announced on Monday, May 18th. The ceremony will also include the induction of Casey Stoney, Kerys Harrop, and Matt Beard into the WSL Hall of Fame, honouring their significant contributions to the league.

Fuente: BBC Sport Football RSS – https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cy82j69d489o?atmedium=RSS&atcampaign=rss