Manchester City striker Bunny Shaw and Manchester United captain Maya Le Tissier were the standout winners at the 2026 Women's Football Awards, held on May 7, 2026. Shaw, who scored an impressive 19 goals in 21 Women's Super League matches this season, played a crucial role in leading Manchester City to their first league title in a decade. The Jamaican international, a two-time winner of the award after previously claiming it in 2024, also saw her club named Club of the Year following their WSL triumph.
Le Tissier's Defensive Excellence
Maya Le Tissier, meanwhile, enjoyed another outstanding campaign at the heart of Manchester United's defence, solidifying her reputation as a vital player for both club and country. The awards ceremony, now in its fourth consecutive year with Metro as media partner, brought together leading players, pioneers, and organizations to celebrate the sport's continued growth and influence across the UK and beyond.
Hosts Reflect on Progress
Host Gabby Logan praised the event, stating: 'The Women's Football Awards is an incredible event. The stories we celebrated reflect a game that is evolving at an incredible pace. From world-class performances to the work happening behind the scenes, every winner represents progress, ambition, and belief in what women's football can become.' Co-host Jamie Carragher, returning for the fourth successive year, added: 'This was another brilliant night that showed just how far the women's game has come. The quality across every category was outstanding, and it's clear the growth of the sport isn't slowing down any time soon.'
Off-Pitch Honors
Off the pitch, the awards spotlighted individuals and organizations driving the game forward. Bethany England was named Inspirational Role Model, while Match Of The Day presenter Kelly Cates received the Media Figure of the Year award. Leading brands and institutions were recognized for their support of the sport's growth: Adobe won Brand of the Year, Adidas received the Global Impact Award, Chelsea Football Club claimed Best Marketing Campaign, the Premier League was honored for Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility, and Liverpool Football Club earned the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award.
Trailblazers Honored
The night also paid tribute to figures who have played a trailblazing role in women's football. Former England international Nikita Parris received the Game Changer award, Debbie Hewitt MBE was named Women's Football Champion, and Mo Marley was presented with the Lifetime Achievement award. A particularly poignant moment came with a Special Tribute to Matt Beard, recognizing his enduring impact on the women's game. Special Recognition awards were also presented to Charlotte O'Neill, Maria Karlsson de Cecco, Orreco, and Manchester Corinthians.
Full List of Winners
- Player of the Year: Bunny Shaw (Manchester City)
- Young Player of the Year: Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United)
- Rising Star: Michelle Agyemang (Arsenal)
- Special Tribute: Matt Beard (posthumous)
- Special Recognition: Charlotte O'Neill, Maria Karlsson de Cecco, Orreco, Manchester Corinthians
- Media Figure of the Year: Kelly Cates
- Inspirational Role Model: Bethany England
- Brand of the Year: Adobe
- Legal Team of the Year: RPC
- Global Impact Award: Adidas
- Best Marketing Campaign: Chelsea Football Club
- Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility: Premier League
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award: Liverpool Football Club
- Community Impact Award: Goals4Girls
- Football Business of the Year: Foudys
- Football Agency of the Year: Tongue Tied Management
- Best Grassroots Initiative: Cash4Clubs
- Football Business Trailblazer: Kay Cossington MBE
- Best Breakthrough Business: AFTA Studios
- Best Social Media: The Football Association – Lionesses
- Women's Football Champion: Debbie Hewitt MBE
- Best Fan Engagement: London City Lionesses
- Club of the Year: Manchester City
- Game Changer: Nikita Parris
- Off The Pitch Award: Rachel Pavlou
- Unsung Hero: Eartha Pond
- Lifetime Achievement: Mo Marley
Sponsor's Perspective
Charlotte Anthony, Head of Brand Experience at SHEIN UK, the headline partner, commented: 'This is our fourth year as headline partner of the Women's Football Awards, and it's something we're incredibly proud of. It was another amazing celebration, from grassroots greatness right through to the sport's highest level. We're deeply committed to creating more opportunities for women and girls – not just in football, but in every space where talent and ambition deserve to be seen and supported. This partnership also follows the support we've given to grassroots girls' clubs around the country with investment in resources to help local clubs thrive. The stories we hear at the Women's Football Awards, of resilience, progress and excellence, are exactly why that commitment matters. It is such an uplifting evening that we're honored to be part of.'
