Khadija Shaw of Manchester City has been awarded the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Women’s Player of the Year, while Grace Clinton of Manchester United was named the Young Player of the Year. These accolades highlight the outstanding performances of both players during the 2023-24 season.
Khadija Shaw, a 27-year-old forward from Jamaica, enjoyed a remarkable season in the Women’s Super League (WSL). Shaw was the league’s top scorer, netting 21 goals in 18 matches. Despite her impressive individual performance, Manchester City finished second in the league, losing out to Chelsea on goal difference.
Shaw expressed her pride and gratitude upon receiving the award. “I am both happy and proud to have received this award – to be recognized in such a way by my peers is a very special honor,” Shaw said.
She also acknowledged her team, saying, “I also want to thank my team-mates and the entire coaching staff because without them this would not be possible. I’d also like to congratulate all my fellow nominees who are such amazing players.”
This is the first time Shaw has won the PFA Women’s Player of the Year award. She was previously honored as the WSL Player of the Year for the same season and was named Player of the Year at the Women’s Football Awards. Shaw’s win highlights her significant impact on the field, both for Manchester City and in the WSL.
Shaw’s success came amidst strong competition from her Manchester City teammates Yui Hasegawa and Lauren Hemp, as well as Chelsea’s Erin Cuthbert, Lauren James, and Niamh Charles, who were all on the shortlist for the award.
Grace Clinton, a 21-year-old midfielder, has been recognized as the Young Player of the Year. Clinton spent the previous season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur, where she made a notable impact by scoring four goals and providing four assists. Her performance earned her first England caps, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Clinton was delighted with her award and thanked those who supported her throughout the season. “Winning this award is a dream come true,” Clinton said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to play and contribute on the field, and I look forward to continuing my development as a player.”
The young midfielder’s achievements are particularly impressive given the strong competition she faced. Last year’s winner, Lauren James, was also nominated for the
Young Player of the Year award after scoring 13 goals in 16 games for Chelsea. Other nominees included Manchester City’s Khiara Keating, Chelsea’s Aggie Beever-Jones, Manchester United’s Maya Le Tissier, and City’s Jess Park.
The PFA Women’s Team of the Year, as chosen by players, saw a strong presence from Manchester City, with six players making the XI. The team includes Khadija Shaw, Yui Hasegawa, Lauren Hemp, Khiara Keating, Alex Greenwood, and Laia Aleixandri.
Chelsea, the WSL champions, had Niamh Charles, Erin Cuthbert, and Lauren James featured in the Team of the Year. Arsenal also had representation with Lotte Wubben-Moy, and Grace Clinton, the Young Player of the Year, was included for her performances at Tottenham.
The full lineup of the Team of the Year is as follows:
- Goalkeeper: Khiara Keating (Manchester City)
- Defenders: Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Laia Aleixandri (Manchester City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)
- Midfielders: Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City), Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea), Grace Clinton (Tottenham)
- Forwards: Khadija Shaw (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City)
