Winners of the 2026 SHEIN Women’s Football Awards Announced

The 2026 SHEIN Women’s Football Awards saw top honours go to Khadija Shaw of Manchester City as Player of the Year, while Manchester United’s Maya Le Tissier was named Young Player of the Year.

Congrats to Maya who won Young Player of the Year during Thursday’s Women's Football Awards 👏🏅 pic.twitter.com/fl78lZ4W3I

— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) May 8, 2026

A memorable couple of days for Shaw also saw her voted The Football Writers’ Association Women’s Footballer of the Year by a landslide over Alessia Russo, with Lauren James coming in third, while Manchester City were crowned Barclays WSL champions.

Arsenal star Michelle Agyemang was honoured with the Metro’s Rising Star Award, at the fourth annual SHEIN Women’s Football Awards event hosted by Gabby Logan alongside Jamie Carragher in front of Jordan Henderson and celebrity fans including Carol Vorderman, Gok Wan and Denise Van Outen.

Bethany England was named Inspirational Role Model, Nikita Parris received the Game Changer award, Debbie Hewitt was named Women’s Football Champion, and Mo Marley was presented with the Lifetime Achievement award. Eartha Pond was recognised as Unsung Hero, while Rachel Pavlou received the Off The Pitch Award.

One of the evening’s most poignant moments came with a Special Tribute to Matt Beard, recognising his enduring impact on the women’s game.

The Women’s Football Awards honoured Manchester Corinthians extraordinary role in shaping the early landscape of women’s football. Renowned for their pioneering international tours and commitment to keeping the women’s game alive during decades of restriction, the Corinthians helped lay vital foundations for the sport’s modern growth. Their legacy has recently been brought back into focus through a documentary exploring their global impact and enduring influence. 

Women’s Football Awards host Gabby Logan told womensfootballawards.com: “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 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.”

Charlotte Anthony, Head of Brand Experience at SHEIN UK, said: “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.“

Full list of 2026 Women’s Football Awards winners:

Rising Star: Michelle Agyemang
Young Player of the Year: Maya Le Tissier
Player of the Year: Bunny Shaw
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

Special Tribute: Matt Beard (posthumous)
Special Recognition: Charlotte O’Neill
Special Recognition: Maria Karlsson de Cecco
Special Recognition: Orreco
Special Recognition: Manchester Corinthians