It's that time of year again—the Women's Super League season is winding down, and the race for individual honors is heating up. Leading the charge for the 2025-26 WSL Player of the Season award is Manchester City's unstoppable striker, Khadija Shaw. The 29-year-old Jamaican international headlines an elite eight-player shortlist, and she's in prime position to claim her third consecutive Golden Boot after netting 19 goals in 21 appearances. Her lethal finishing has been instrumental in lifting City to their first league title since 2016, adding to her earlier recognition as the Football Writers' Association Women's Footballer of the Year.
Shaw isn't the only City star in the spotlight. Teammate Kerstin Casparij makes the cut with an impressive 10 goal involvements from the backline, showcasing just how deep this title-winning squad runs. They're joined by Aston Villa's Kirsty Hanson, who sits as the league's second-highest scorer with 12 goals and just one match to play, and Arsenal's Alessia Russo, whose consistent threat up front keeps defenders on edge.
The shortlist also features Manchester United's midfield dynamo Jess Park, Chelsea's rising striker Alyssa Thompson, Tottenham's pacey winger Olivia Holdt, and Everton's rock-solid defender Ruby Mace. Each player has delivered standout performances this season, making this one of the most competitive fields in recent memory.
Turning to the future, the WSL Rising Star award nominees are headlined by Arsenal's Olivia Smith. The Canada international made waves last summer when she joined the Gunners from Liverpool for a record £1 million fee, and she's backed it up with five goals and three assists in 19 appearances. Everton's Ornella Vignola also makes the list after a dream WSL debut that included a hat-trick in the Merseyside derby, while Chelsea's 20-year-old defender Veerle Buurman continues to impress. Completing the rising star nominees are Manchester United's Anna Sandberg, Brighton teenager Emilie Gay, West Ham forward Leila Wandeler, and Aston Villa midfielder Lucia Kendall.
In the goalkeeping department, the race for the WSL Golden Glove is too close to call. Chelsea's Hannah Hampton, Manchester United's Phallon Tullis-Joyce, and Manchester City's Ayaka Yamashita are all tied on seven clean sheets with just one game remaining. Every save will matter as these shot-stoppers battle for the prestigious award.
Mark your calendars for Monday, May 18, when the winners across 17 categories will be revealed in a ceremony that also honors legends. Casey Stoney, Kerys Harrop, and Matt Beard will be inducted into the WSL Hall of Fame, celebrating careers that have shaped the league. Whether you're cheering for Shaw's historic treble or rooting for an underdog, this awards season is a fitting tribute to another thrilling year of women's football.