Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw has been named the Football Writers' Association Women's Player of the Year for the 2025-26 season [1].

The award recognizes Shaw's pivotal role in leading Manchester City to a Women's Super League title. Her goal-scoring form was essential in securing the championship, marking a significant shift in the league's power dynamic.

Shaw received the honor at the Football Writers' Association awards ceremony held in England [2]. The recognition comes after a season where she established herself as one of the most clinical finishers in the game. This achievement marks the second time in three years that Shaw has taken the award [3].

Her contributions were central to a historic campaign for the club. Manchester City won its first Women's Super League title in 10 years [4], breaking a long drought and asserting dominance over the English game.

The FWA award is highly regarded because it is voted on by professional writers who cover the sport daily. By securing the 2025-26 season honor [1], Shaw joins an elite group of players recognized for sustained excellence over a full competitive cycle.

The victory for Manchester City and the individual accolade for Shaw highlight the growing competitiveness of the WSL. The club's ability to return to the top of the table after a decade underscores the investment, and tactical evolution, within the organization.

“Khadija Shaw has been named the Football Writers' Association Women's Player of the Year”

Shaw's repeat success and Manchester City's first league title in a decade signal a changing of the guard in English women's football. The shift suggests that City's long-term strategy to challenge the established order of the WSL has finally materialized, with Shaw serving as the primary tactical engine for their offensive success.