Khadija “Bunny” Shaw’s remarkable campaign has produced goals, records, silverware, and now another major individual honor.
The Jamaican striker has been named the 2026 Football Writers’ Association Women’s Footballer of the Year, earning the prestigious award for the second time in her career after another devastating season in front of goal for Manchester City.
For Shaw, the recognition represents more than individual excellence. It is further confirmation of her growing status as one of the defining figures in women’s football and one of the most feared forwards in the Women’s Super League.
At 29 years old, she continues to redefine standards with a blend of power, movement, and clinical finishing that has helped propel City back to the summit of English football.
Golden boot within reach again
Shaw’s numbers this season underline why voters once again placed her above the rest of the field.
The Manchester City forward has scored 19 league goals in just 21 appearances, leaving her on the brink of capturing a third consecutive Women’s Super League Golden Boot with one league match still remaining.
Her consistency has become almost unmatched.
Since arriving at City in 2021, Shaw has developed into the centerpiece of the club’s attack, delivering goals at a historic pace while helping restore the team to championship-winning status.
This season has also pushed her to the edge of another major milestone. Shaw sits just one goal away from becoming the first player in Women’s Super League history to score at least 20 goals in three separate seasons, a feat that would further cement her place among the league’s all-time elite.
From recognition to legacy
This latest honor follows her first Football Writers’ Association Women’s Footballer of the Year triumph during the 2023-24 campaign, confirming that her earlier success was no one-season breakthrough.
Instead, Shaw has established herself as the standard.
Week after week, she has delivered in the biggest moments, combining explosive athleticism with composure in front of goal. Her performances were central to Manchester City’s run to the Women’s Super League title, and her influence has stretched far beyond statistics alone.
Opposing defenses have spent entire seasons trying to contain her, usually without success.
Uncertainty clouds the celebration
Yet even as Shaw collects another individual accolade, uncertainty surrounds her future.
Despite enjoying arguably the finest stretch of her club career, reports indicate the Jamaican international could depart Manchester City this summer after negotiations over a new contract reportedly stalled.
Chelsea has emerged as the club most heavily linked with the prolific striker, with reports suggesting the London side is prepared to offer Shaw a deal worth as much as £1 million annually.
The prospect of one of the league’s most dominant players changing clubs has quickly become one of the biggest talking points in English women’s football.
Chelsea keeping its options open
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor offered little clarity when questioned Thursday about Shaw’s future or the club’s reported interest.
However, the Blues boss acknowledged that recruiting a top-level number nine remains a major objective for the club, a comment certain to intensify speculation surrounding Shaw.
While no agreement has been announced, the growing links between Chelsea and the Manchester City star continue to gather momentum.
For now, though, Shaw’s focus remains on completing another historic season, one already filled with trophies, records, and a second Football Writers’ Association Women’s Footballer of the Year crown that reinforces her standing among the sport’s very best.
