Jamaican sensation Bunny Shaw climbs to #24 on The Guardian’s Best Women’s Players list

Jamaican football prodigy Khadija “Bunny” Shaw, renowned for her prowess as a forward for Manchester City in the WSL and as a striker for Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz, has ascended to the 24th spot on The Guardian’s prestigious list of the Best Women’s Players in the World for 2023.

This remarkable achievement marks a significant rise from her 2022 ranking at Number 62, highlighting her continued dominance and impact on the global stage.

In an exceptional display of skill and determination, Shaw etched her name in football history by becoming the first player ever in the Women’s Super League (WSL) to record three hat tricks in a single calendar year. With an impressive tally of 29 goals and nine assists between the previous and current seasons, Shaw’s goal-scoring prowess has been nothing short of extraordinary.

World Cup standout

Finishing as the runner-up to Rachel Daly for the 2022-2023 Golden Boot award, Shaw’s consistency and performance have consistently surpassed expectations.

Shaw’s stellar performance extended to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she ranked among the top 25 players in the tournament, securing the 16th position. Recognized as one of the premier Number 9 players globally, Shaw’s imposing physical presence and tactical acumen posed formidable challenges for opponents.

Her instrumental role played a pivotal role in Jamaica’s historic advancement to the knockout stage, culminating in a hard-fought draw against Brazil. Despite a valiant effort, Jamaica’s journey ended with a narrow defeat to Colombia.

Background and journey

Born in Spanish Town, Jamaica, in 1997, Shaw emerged as a football prodigy from humble beginnings, honing her skills alongside her brothers before earning international recognition. Representing Jamaica across various age groups, Shaw's meteoric rise saw her excel at the University of Tennessee before securing a landmark deal with Manchester City in 2021.

Shaw’s tenure at Manchester City has been marked by a series of outstanding achievements, including her record-breaking goal-scoring spree and accolades such as the CONCACAF Female Player of the Year in 2022. Recognized for her exceptional contributions, Shaw was named in the PFA WSL Team of the Year for 2023 and received a nomination for the Ballon d’Or Féminin.

Her remarkable journey continues with a two-year contract extension with Manchester City, underscoring her status as one of football’s brightest talents.