The women’s football world is buzzing after the Professional Footballers’ Association revealed its six nominees for the 2026 Players’ Player of the Year award, with Manchester City stars dominating the shortlist.
Khadija “Bunny” Shaw, who netted 21 goals in 22 league appearances, earned the Writers’ Women’s Player of the Year in May and now leads the peer-voted race as City secured their second Women’s Super League title.
Her City teammate Yui Hasegawa, crucial to both the league and FA Cup triumphs, rounds out a duo that underscores City’s tactical dominance this season.
Arsenal’s Alessia Russo, finishing second in the Golden Boot race, Chelsea’s Lauren James, Manchester United’s Jess Park, and Aston Villa’s Kirsty Hanson, who scored 12 goals, complete the competitive lineup.
Unlike past years, when one club dominated, this shortlist reflects balanced yet fierce competition among four top WSL teams, signaling a shift toward deeper league parity.
The award will be presented on August 25 at the PFA Awards dinner in Manchester, a ceremony that has highlighted excellence in women’s football for over 50 years.
BREAKING: : The six nominees for the Women’s PFA Players’ Player of the Year have been revealed 🚨
The nominees include: Kirsty Hanson, Yui Hasegawa, Lauren James, Jess Park, Alessia Russo, and Bunny Shaw 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Jp0DxWMxdy
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 5, 2026
Shaw’s dual honor – Writers’ and now peer-voted finalist – marks a potential career pinnacle, while Hasegawa’s inclusion highlights the growing recognition of defensive midfield excellence.
Fans and pundits alike are already debating whether Shaw’s goal explosion or Hasegawa’s possession-winning mastery will sway fellow players, the sole voters for this prestigious accolade.
Subscribe for real-time updates as the football community prepares to crown its 2026 Women’s PFA Players’ Player of the Year.
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