Khadija Shaw tops WSL Player of the Season shortlist
Manchester City striker Khadija Shaw is the only nominee from her club as the Women’s Super League reveals its 2024-25 Player of the Season shortlist. The 28-year-old Jamaican forward faces stiff competition from Arsenal’s Beth Mead and Chelsea’s Sam Kerr.
The Women’s Super League has named its 2024-25 Player of the Season shortlist, and Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw is leading the charge—becoming the sole representative from her club among the nominees. The 28-year-old Jamaican striker, already a two-time WSL Golden Boot winner, will battle Chelsea’s Sam Kerr and Arsenal’s Beth Mead for the top honor.
The announcement marks a pivotal moment in the league’s history, as Shaw’s dominance this season has reshaped expectations for attacking players in the WSL. Her tally of 18 goals—more than any other player—has drawn comparisons to legendary seasons past, including Arsenal’s Vivianne Miedema’s 22-goal campaign in 2018-19.
Shaw’s campaign has been defined by consistency, with goals in each of her last five league matches, including a hat-trick against Bristol City in March. Her ability to convert chances under pressure has drawn praise from managers and rivals alike, with Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor calling her performance "exceptional" and "a benchmark for forwards in the league."
Key Players
- ⚔️ Khadija Shaw (Manchester City) — 18 goals, 5 assists
- 🔥 Sam Kerr (Chelsea) — 15 goals, 6 assists
- ⚡ Beth Mead (Arsenal) — 14 goals, 8 assists
Arsenal’s Mead, the 2021-22 Player of the Season, has been a standout playmaker, while Kerr’s experience and clinical finishing have kept Chelsea in contention for the title. The trio represents the new era of WSL attacking talent, each bringing a distinct style to the pitch.
The voting process will conclude on May 10, with the winner announced the following day at the WSL Awards in London. The winner will receive a trophy and a £25,000 prize, donated by league sponsors.
| Statistic | Shaw | Mead | Kerr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goals | 18 | 14 | 15 |
| Assists | 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Minutes Played | 1,890 | 1,980 | 1,750 |
The shortlist reflects the league’s growing competitiveness, with no single player dominating as past winners like Nikita Parris and Beth England once did. Shaw’s inclusion underscores Manchester City’s rise in the women’s game, a club that has invested heavily in its women’s team infrastructure over the past five years.
💡 Pro Tip
For aspiring strikers, Shaw’s season highlights the importance of positioning and composure in the box. Her ability to stay one step ahead of defenders often stems from her off-the-ball movement, a skill that separates elite forwards from the rest.
The WSL’s Player of the Season award has gained prestige in recent years, with past winners like Sam Kerr (2021-22) and Rachel Daly (2019-20) going on to secure Ballon d’Or nominations. Shaw, who has already been named Jamaica’s Female Footballer of the Year four times, has the opportunity to add a WSL accolade to her growing list of achievements.
📋 By The Numbers
- 4 — Number of times Shaw has been Jamaica’s Female Footballer of the Year
- 2 — WSL Golden Boot titles Shaw has won prior to this season
- 25% — Increase in WSL attendance this season, with Shaw’s matches drawing larger crowds
The decision to award Shaw the top honor would send a strong message about the league’s shift toward recognizing consistent, high-impact performances over flashy individual moments. With the vote now in the hands of managers, players, and media representatives, the anticipation for the May 11 announcement is palpable across the footballing world.
For Manchester City, Shaw’s nomination is more than a personal accolade—it’s a validation of the club’s commitment to developing world-class talent. The club’s women’s team, which won its first WSL title in 2022, continues to rise, with Shaw at the forefront of its attacking force.