The lights dimmed, the room buzzed with anticipation, and when the dust settled, two names roared above the rest: Bunny Shaw and Maya Le Tissier. They didn't just win awards—they cemented legacies.
Bunny Shaw, Manchester City's Jamaican powerhouse, has been unstoppable. Nineteen goals in 21 WSL matches—a demolition of defenses that powered City to their first league title in a decade. This is her second Player of the Year crown, a testament to relentless excellence.
Maya Le Tissier, Manchester United's captain and defensive anchor, claimed Young Player of the Year. Her composure, vision, and leadership have transformed her into the backbone of club and country—a star rising at breathtaking speed.
City wasn't done celebrating. Their WSL triumph earned them Club of the Year, a nod to the collective fire that burns in blue. Meanwhile, the night paid tribute to those who paved the way, past and present.
Host Gabby Logan captured the electric atmosphere: "The stories we celebrated reflect a game evolving at an incredible pace. Every winner represents progress, ambition, and belief in what women's football can become."
Jamie Carragher, co-host for the fourth straight year, echoed the sentiment. "This was another brilliant night showing just how far the women's game has come. The quality across every category was outstanding—the growth isn't slowing down anytime soon."
Off the pitch, the impact was just as powerful. Bethany England was named Inspirational Role Model, while Match of the Day presenter Kelly Cates took home Media Figure of the Year—proof that influence extends far beyond the pitch.
The night's most poignant moment came with a special tribute to Matt Beard, the former Liverpool manager who passed away last year. His legacy, his vision, his heart for the women's game—honored with a silence that spoke volumes.
Special recognition awards also went to Charlotte O'Neill, Maria Karlsson de Cecco, Orreco, and Manchester Corinthians—trailblazers whose names deserve to be etched in the sport's history.
The Game Changer award went to Nikita Parris, a former England international who redefined what's possible. Debbie Hewitt MBE was named Women's Football Champion, and Mo Marley received a Lifetime Achievement award—a fitting salute to a career of impact.
From grassroots grit to global glory, the 2026 Women's Football Awards was a celebration of a sport that's no longer knocking on the door—it's kicked it down and is building a stadium. Every winner, every story, every tear and cheer proved that women's football isn't just growing—it's unstoppable.
