Manchester United centre-back Maya Le Tissier wins SHEIN Women’s Player of the Year award (image: -)
The 2026 Women’s Football Awards took place tonight (Thursday 7 May) celebrating the best of the women’s game in a landmark night that brought together leading players, pioneers and organizations to reflect the continued growth and influence of the sport in the UK and beyond.
The fourth annual event was hosted by broadcasting icon Gabby Logan, alongside football legend Jamie Carragher, who once again delivered a powerful display of excellence on and off the pitch. The event attracted a star-studded audience with celebrity fans including Carol Vorderman, Gok Wan and Denise Van Outen in attendance, while England international Jordan Henderson also attended to show his support for the women’s game.
The night’s highest honor, Player of the Year, went to Manchester City’s Bunny Shaw. Emerging leadership and talent were also recognized with Manchester United’s Maya Le Tissier named Young Player of the Year after an outstanding campaign that established her as one of the game’s brightest stars. Arsenal star Michelle Agyemang has won the Metro’s Rising Star Award, highlighting her rapid rise and exciting future in the sport.
Off the pitch, the awards shined a spotlight on individuals and organizations that are pushing the game forward. Bethany England was named Inspirational Role Model and Match of the Day presenter Kelly Cates was named Media Person of the Year.
Leading brands and institutions were recognized for their role in supporting the growth of gaming. Adobe won ‘Brand of the Year’ and Adidas won ‘Global Impact Award’. Chelsea Football Club won the Best Marketing Campaign award, the Premier League won the award for Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility and Liverpool Football Club won the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award.
Manchester City were crowned Club of the Year after an exceptional season, while London City Lionesses won the award for Best Fan Engagement. Goals4Girls won the Community Impact Award, highlighting the importance of grassroots efforts to expand access to sport.
A number of individuals were also recognized for their lasting contributions. Nikita Parris received the Game Changer Award, Debbie Hewitt MBE was named Women’s Football Champion and Mo Marley received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Asa Pond was honored as an Unsung Hero and Rachel Pavlou won the Off the Pitch award.
One of the most emotional moments of the night was a special tribute to Matt Beard, celebrating his lasting impact on the women’s game. Special recognition awards were also presented to Charlotte O’Neill, Maria Karlsson de Cecco, Oleco and Manchester Corinthians.
The Women’s Football Awards celebrated Manchester Corinthians’ extraordinary role in shaping the early landscape of women’s football. Corinthians is known for its pioneering international tours and efforts to keep the women’s game alive despite decades of restrictions, helping to lay the foundations essential to the sport’s modern growth. Recently, their legacy has received renewed attention through documentaries that explore their global impact and lasting impact.
Gabby Logan, host of the Women’s Football Awards, said: “The Women’s Football Awards are a fantastic event. The stories we celebrate reflect a game that is evolving at an incredible pace. From world-class performances to the work that goes on behind the scenes, each winner represents progress, ambition and belief in what women’s football can be.”
Co-host Jamie Carragher added: “It was another great night that showed just how far the women’s game has come. The quality in every category was excellent and it’s clear that the growth of our 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, which is something we’re incredibly proud of. It was another incredible celebration of grassroots greatness all the way to the highest levels of the sport.”
We are deeply committed to creating more opportunities for women and girls, not just in football, but in all areas where talent and ambition should be noticed and supported. This partnership also follows on from the support we have given to grassroots women’s clubs across the country by investing in resources to help local clubs thrive.
“The stories of resilience, progress and excellence we hear at the Women’s Football Awards are exactly why the work is so important. It’s such an uplifting night and we’re honored to be a part of it.”
