Bunny Shaw makes history with third-place finish in Women’s Ballon d’Or
Key Points(5)
- Jamaican footballer Khadija “Bunny” Shaw finished third in the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or rankings on Monday, becoming the highest-placed Jamaican in the history of the award.
- The Manchester City striker earned the recognition after a standout 2025-26 season in which she scored 21 goals in 22 Women’s Super League (WSL) appearances, helping the club win the league title and the FA Cup.
- Shaw also became Manchester City’s highest-ranked female player in the history of the Ballon d’Or and the highest-ranked Afro-Caribbean player in the award’s history.
- The 29-year-old finished behind Poland’s Ewa Pajor, who placed second, and Spain’s Alexia Putellas, who won the award for the third time at the ceremony in London.
- Shaw’s third-place finish capped a season in which she collected several individual honours, including the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Players’ Player of the Year, the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year and WSL Player of the Season awards.
Jamaican footballer Khadija “Bunny” Shaw finished third in the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or rankings on Monday, becoming the highest-placed Jamaican in the history of the award.
The Manchester City striker earned the recognition after a standout 2025-26 season in which she scored 21 goals in 22 Women’s Super League (WSL) appearances, helping the club win the league title and the FA Cup.
Shaw also became Manchester City’s highest-ranked female player in the history of the Ballon d’Or and the highest-ranked Afro-Caribbean player in the award’s history.
The 29-year-old finished behind Poland’s Ewa Pajor, who placed second, and Spain’s Alexia Putellas, who won the award for the third time at the ceremony in London.
Shaw’s third-place finish capped a season in which she collected several individual honours, including the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Players’ Player of the Year, the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year and WSL Player of the Season awards.
She also won her third consecutive WSL Golden Boot after scoring 21 league goals. Across all competitions, Shaw recorded 35 goal involvements in 32 appearances.
Her contributions helped City secure a historic domestic double. Shaw opened the scoring in the FA Cup final against Brighton & Hove Albion, with City going on to win 4-0.
Beyond her scoring record, Shaw continued to develop her all-around game, using her pressing, hold-up play and link-up ability to lead City’s attack.
“To be named as the third best player by those who voted is a huge honour for me and I’m extremely grateful for the recognition,” Shaw said.
“City are a special club and for them to trust me with leading our front-line week in, week out is something I take immense pride in.
“I would like to thank my teammates and the staff for supporting me on and off the pitch so I can perform at my best. Recording a historic double last season was a campaign that will always hold a special place in my heart.
“This recognition would not be possible without them.”
Manchester City Women’s Director of Football Therese Sjögran praised Shaw’s achievement, describing her as a role model for young people around the world.
“Bunny is a remarkable player, and we are thrilled to see her hard work and dedication recognised,” Sjögran said.
“She is a role model for not only those of us who work closely with her on a day-to-day basis but also for so many young girls and boys around the world.
“This latest award is one of many deserved accolades of what she has achieved at City and we can’t wait to see what further history she continues to create.”
Shaw was among several Manchester City players nominated for the award. Teammates Yui Hasegawa, Alex Greenwood, Kerstin Casparij and Vivianne Miedema finished 11th, 26th, 24th and 28th, respectively.
