Jamaican footballer Khadija “Bunny” Shaw has been making waves in the football world, and her latest achievement is a testament to her relentless determination and extraordinary talent.
The 27-year-old striker has earned a spot among the 16 nominees for The Best FIFA Women’s Player award for 2024.
This prestigious nomination places Shaw alongside the world’s elite players, recognizing her exceptional performances during the 2023-2024 season, from August 21, 2023, to August 10, 2024.
Shaw’s rise to prominence in football is a story of hard work and overcoming obstacles. Growing up in Spanish Town, Jamaica, Shaw was one of 13 siblings. She developed an early love for the game, playing with her brothers on the streets of her neighborhood. Despite limited resources, Shaw’s drive to succeed never wavered. Her talent was quickly recognized, and she earned a scholarship to Navarro College in Texas before moving on to play for Eastern Florida State College. Her college career was a springboard, and she soon became a key player for the Jamaican national team.
For Shaw, this nomination comes as the culmination of an outstanding year, both for her club, Manchester City, and the Jamaican national team. When reflecting on Shaw’s contributions to Manchester City, one word stands out: dominant. The prolific forward has been a powerhouse in the Women’s Super League (WSL), setting records and earning accolades along the way
During a remarkable eight-week stretch at the turn of the year, Shaw netted an impressive trio of hat-tricks for City, quickly establishing herself as a clinical goal scorer. Her ability to find the back of the net with such frequency earned her the WSL Golden Boot, an achievement she shares with Sam Kerr as the only non-European player to claim the title in the league’s history.
Shaw’s tally of 21 league goals was not only enough to win her the coveted Golden Boot but also placed her as the joint third-highest goal scorer in a single WSL season. Her incredible performances were further recognized when she was named WSL Player of the Season, capping off a career-defining year.
But Shaw’s influence extends far beyond her club’s success. Earlier this year, she was voted the Football Writers’ Association Women’s Player of the Year in England’s Women’s Super League, further cementing her status as one of the top players in the world. In 2020, she was honored with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer by the Jamaican government for her outstanding achievements in football. The accolades keep coming, and in August 2024, Shaw also took home the Professional Footballer’s Association (PFA) Women’s Player’s Player of the Year award, as voted on by her peers.
On the international stage, Shaw has been just as influential for Jamaica’s national team, the Reggae Girlz. She is the leading goal-scorer for Jamaica, both men’s and women’s teams, a remarkable feat that highlights her importance to the country’s footballing legacy. Shaw has been an integral part of the Reggae Girlz’s success, playing a key role in their qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she delivered standout performances and helped raise the profile of Jamaican women’s football globally. Her leadership and ability to score in crucial moments have made her one of the most respected players in the international game.
As the world watches, Shaw continues to break barriers and set new standards for female athletes globally. Her meteoric rise in international football has made her an inspiration to aspiring young athletes, especially in Jamaica, where she is celebrated as a symbol of excellence and perseverance.
The winner of The Best FIFA Women’s Player award will be revealed at a ceremony in January 2025, but regardless of the outcome, Shaw’s impact on the pitch has already made her a household name in women’s football. With her incredible talent, leadership, and dedication, the sky is the limit for the Reggae Girl, and her journey is far from over.
