Khadija Shaw named 2024 WSL Player of the Season in landslide vote
Manchester City striker Khadija Shaw secured the 2024 Women's Super League Player of the Season award Friday, capping a dominant campaign with 22 goals in 22 matches. The Jamaican international becomes the first City player to win the accolade, joining an elite list of WSL legends including Sam Kerr and Beth Mead.
Manchester City striker Khadija Shaw has been crowned the 2024 Women's Super League Player of the Season, ending a campaign that redefined dominance in English women’s football. The 28-year-old Jamaican forward, known for her lethal combination of pace and power, finished the season with 22 goals in 22 appearances—an unprecedented strike rate that shattered records and silenced doubters. Shaw’s haul included five braces and two hat-tricks, with her consistency forcing defenders into tactical submission.
City manager Gareth Taylor praised Shaw’s impact beyond statistics, highlighting her leadership in a dressing room reshaped by injuries. "Khadija didn’t just score goals; she lifted everyone around her," Taylor told reporters. "Her work rate, her presence—it’s why we’re challenging at the top." Shaw’s season included decisive goals in derbies against Arsenal and Chelsea, cementing her reputation as a clutch performer.
Key Points
- ✅ First City player to win WSL Player of the Season
- ⚡ 22 goals in 22 matches—unmatched efficiency
- 💡 Five braces and two hat-tricks showcase versatility
The award caps a meteoric rise for Shaw, who joined City from Bordeaux in 2022 after stints in the NWSL and Jamaica’s national team. Her transition to the WSL was initially met with skepticism, but Shaw’s adaptation to the physical demands of the league proved rapid. This season, she outscored Arsenal’s Stina Blackstenius and Chelsea’s Sam Kerr, two of the league’s most prolific forwards, by nearly double digits.
| Top Scorers | Goals | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Khadija Shaw (Man City) | 22 | 22 |
| Stina Blackstenius (Arsenal) | 12 | 21 |
| Sam Kerr (Chelsea) | 11 | 18 |
Shaw’s triumph also underscores Manchester City Women’s growing influence in the WSL, where they finished second behind Chelsea. The club’s investment in women’s football—including a new £7 million training facility—has begun to yield dividends, with Shaw’s form attracting global attention. Pundits now speculate about a Ballon d’Or nomination, though Shaw remains focused on team success. "This award is for my teammates," she said. "Without them, none of this happens."
💡 Pro Tip
For aspiring strikers, Shaw’s 2024 season offers a blueprint: prioritize positional intelligence over raw power. Her ability to ghost into half-spaces before defenders react was the difference in tight games.
The vote for Player of the Season was conducted by a panel of WSL managers, captains, and media representatives. Shaw received 42% of the votes, a margin of 18 points over runner-up Blackstenius. The announcement was made Friday afternoon at a lavish ceremony in London, where Shaw was presented with the trophy by former England striker Kelly Smith. "This is a moment for Jamaican football," Shaw said, clutching the award. "I hope it inspires the next generation back home."
📋 By The Numbers
- 28 — Shaw’s age when she won the award
- 5 — Goals scored in the final six matches of the season
- 8 — Clean sheets City conceded while Shaw scored
Shaw’s future at City remains a topic of intense speculation. With the Olympics looming and her contract expiring in 2025, reports suggest a potential move to a European giant like Barcelona or PSG. Yet Taylor dismissed the rumors, stating, "We’re not losing her next season—simple as that." For now, the focus is on the title race and Shaw’s relentless pursuit of excellence. "I’m not done yet," she declared. "There’s more to achieve."