Prince William has sent a special video message of thanks to the stars powering the growth of women's football, which will open the 2026 Women's Football Awards ceremony. Recorded at Kensington Palace, the address was created after the Prince was unable to attend in person due to diary commitments.
Prince William's Message
In his message, he applauds the achievements of players and acknowledges the dedication of those working tirelessly behind the scenes to elevate women's football to new heights. 'I'm delighted to send my warmest congratulations to everyone involved in the 2026 Women's Football Awards,' he said. 'This event celebrates not only remarkable sporting achievement, but also the dedication, resilience and leadership that continues to drive the women's game forwards, from grass roots to the very top.'
'Women's football has seen extraordinary growth in recent years but that progress is a result of the players, coaches, volunteers and supporters who believe in its power to inspire and unite communities. To the nominees and winners thank you for what you do and congratulations on your well deserved recognition.'
The 2026 Women's Football Awards
The 2026 Women's Football Awards, in partnership with Metro, Europe's biggest awards event dedicated to the women's game, returns for its third year following its launch in 2023. This year's glittering ceremony, headline sponsored by Shein, takes place tomorrow and will be co-hosted by football legend Jamie Carragher, renowned BBC Sport presenter Gabby Logan, and former Lioness Lianne Sanderson.
Former Lioness Sanderson said: 'Prince William's support for women's football has been fantastic. Having him take the time to record such a thoughtful message really shows how much he cares about the growth of the game.' 'He's a well-known football fan, so it's great to have his support for the event and for women's football as a whole,' former Liverpool and England defender Carragher added.
Attendees and Nominees
Thursday's ceremony will bring together some of the biggest names in the sport, including Bunny Shaw, Alex Greenwood, Millie Bright and Maya Le Tissier. They will be joined by a host of celebrity guests such as Jordan Henderson, Denise Van Outen, Carol Vorderman and Roman Kemp. The Women's Football Awards continues to shine a spotlight on excellence across the game, celebrating the players, teams, and industry figures who are shaping the future of women's football across Europe and beyond.
The Women's Football Awards is sponsored by online fashion retailer Shein, which has dressed stars for the event, alongside Scottish Power, and logistics company DSV. Luxury holiday company Destinology is providing exclusive holiday experiences for selected award winners.
Shortlists
Player of the Year: Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Bunny Shaw (Manchester City), Kerstin Casparij (Manchester City), Jess Park (Manchester United), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Kiko Seike (Brighton & Hove Albion), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Kirsty Hanson (Aston Villa), Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal), Alessia Russo (Arsenal), Vivianne Miedema (Manchester City).
Young Player of the Year: Tōko Koga (Tottenham Hotspur), Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Michelle Agyemang (Brighton & Hove Albion), Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Grace Clinton (Manchester City), Aoba Fujino (Manchester City), Nelly Las (Leicester City), Ruby Mace (Everton), Lenna Gunning-Williams (Tottenham Hotspur).
International Player of the Year: Klara Bühl (Bayern Munich), Caroline Weir (Real Madrid), Alèxia Putellas (Barcelona), Romée Leuchter (Paris Saint-Germain), Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich), Ewa Pajor (Barcelona), Claudia Pina (Barcelona), Melchie Dumornay (Lyon), Tessa Wullaert (Inter Milan), Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid), Victoria López (Barcelona).
Club of the Year: Manchester City, Wrexham, London City Lionesses, Manchester United, Chelsea, Glasgow City, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Charlton Athletic, Hearts, Brighton & Hove Albion.
Media Figure of the Year: Kelly Cates, Karen Carney MBE, Lianne Sanderson, Laura Woods, Reshmin Chowdhury, Alex Scott MBE, Mina Ibrahim, Suzanne Wrack, Katie Whyatt, Faye Carruthers, Mollie and Rosie Kmita.
