Khadija Shaw is leading the charge for the Women's Super League Player of the Season award, as the Manchester City star headlines an eight-player shortlist for the 2025-26 WSL Football Awards. The 29-year-old Jamaican striker has been unstoppable this campaign, netting 19 goals in 21 appearances to put her on track for a third consecutive Golden Boot. Her prolific form has been instrumental in helping City secure their first league title since 2016, a testament to her consistency and game-changing ability.
Shaw, who recently added the Football Writers' Association Women's Footballer of the Year award to her growing collection, is joined on the shortlist by her City teammate Kerstin Casparij. The Dutch defender has been a revelation from the back, contributing 10 goal involvements this season. Also in the running are Aston Villa's Kirsty Hanson, who sits second in the league scoring charts with 12 goals, and Arsenal forward Alessia Russo, whose dynamic play has kept the Gunners in contention.
The list is rounded out by Manchester United midfielder Jess Park, Chelsea striker Alyssa Thompson, Tottenham winger Olivia Holdt, and Everton defender Ruby Mace—each of whom has made a significant impact for their respective clubs. It's a diverse group that highlights the depth of talent across the league this season.
In the Rising Star category, Arsenal's Olivia Smith leads the nominees after a standout debut campaign. The Canada international, who joined from Liverpool for a record £1 million fee last summer, has scored five goals and provided three assists in 19 appearances. She's joined by Everton's Ornella Vignola, who announced herself in style with 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 complete the shortlist for this exciting young talent award.
Meanwhile, the race for the Golden Glove is as tight as ever, with three goalkeepers tied on seven clean sheets heading into the final matchday: Chelsea's Hannah Hampton, Manchester United's Phallon Tullis-Joyce, and Manchester City's Ayaka Yamashita. With just one game left, the award could come down to a single save or a moment of defensive brilliance.
The winners across all 17 categories will be revealed on Monday, May 18, at a ceremony that will also see WSL legends Casey Stoney, Kerys Harrop, and Matt Beard inducted into the Hall of Fame. It's a fitting celebration of a season that has showcased the very best of women's football, from Shaw's lethal finishing to the next generation of stars making their mark. Whether you're a player or a fan, this is the perfect time to gear up with the latest performance kit and show your support for the game's brightest talents.