The Women's Super League 2025-26 season has concluded, and our writers have weighed in with their best and worst moments. From outstanding individual performances to controversial scheduling issues, here is a comprehensive review.
Best Player: Khadija Shaw
There is little debate that Khadija "Bunny" Shaw is the finest striker in world football at present. The Jamaica international concluded her league campaign in style with a double against West Ham, taking her tally to 21 goals. In doing so, she became the first player in WSL history to surpass 20 goals in three different seasons. Sophie Downey notes that Shaw was streets ahead of the competition with 21 goals in 22 games, while Tom Garry highlights her as the difference-maker in front of goal, earning her a third consecutive Golden Boot. Emillia Hawkins adds that Shaw's consistency and ability to step up when needed make her the best striker in the world, and Renuka Odedra emphasises that she finally secured the WSL title that had eluded Manchester City for a decade. Réshma Rao praises her strength, precision, and aerial ability, while Suzanne Wrack describes her as more than just a goalscorer, lauding her movement, hold-up play, and defensive contributions.
Best Manager: Andrée Jeglertz
After Denmark's early exit from the 2025 Euros, questions surrounded Andrée Jeglertz's appointment at Manchester City. However, despite an opening-day defeat to Chelsea, he quickly silenced doubters by instilling a dynamic, exciting brand of football. Sophie Downey notes that he empowers his players to play with freedom, while Tom Garry highlights his calm demeanour and ability to instil confidence in the squad, leading to the title on a smaller budget than rivals Arsenal and Chelsea. Emillia Hawkins credits him with a mentality shift that delivered the championship, and Renuka Odedra praises his tactical tinkering that brought out the best in players like Vivianne Miedema and Yui Hasegawa. Réshma Rao points out that City won all 11 home games and improved their finishing, especially from set pieces. Suzanne Wrack also acknowledges Martin Ho's excellent work at Tottenham.
Best Goal
Several stunning strikes lit up the season. Sophie Downey selects Oona Siren's long-range volley for West Ham against London City Lionesses in March. Tom Garry opts for Jess Park's swerving strike against London City Lionesses in February, with a special mention for Olivia Smith's debut goal for Arsenal. Emillia Hawkins chooses Olivia Smith's first Arsenal goal, a memorable run and strike that justified her record transfer fee. Renuka Odedra picks Yuka Momiki's 30-yard chip over Hannah Hampton for Everton against Chelsea. Réshma Rao selects Cathinka Tandberg's quick-reaction screamer for Spurs against Everton. Suzanne Wrack goes for Kirsty Hanson's beautifully worked corner with Lynn Wilms for Aston Villa against West Ham, also praising Alessia Russo's assist for Frida Maanum's goal.
Best Match
The season produced several thrilling encounters. Sophie Downey and Tom Garry both pick Manchester City's 3-2 home win over Arsenal in October, a five-goal thriller that proved pivotal in the title race. Emillia Hawkins and Renuka Odedra choose Brighton's 3-2 victory over Manchester City in April, a match that handed the eventual champions their third defeat and showcased late-season drama. Réshma Rao selects Arsenal's 1-0 win over Manchester City, which ended City's 13-match winning streak and blew the title race open. Suzanne Wrack enjoys Brighton's 1-1 draw with Arsenal that handed City the title, praising Brighton's rotated squad for an exceptional performance.
Best Signing
Toko Koga, Jess Park, and Jennifer Falk are among the standout signings. Sophie Downey highlights Koga's composure at centre-back for Tottenham. Tom Garry praises Jennifer Falk's inspired performances for Liverpool since her January loan move, arguing she may have kept them from relegation. Emillia Hawkins and Réshma Rao commend Jess Park's move to Manchester United, where she has added creativity and become a key attacking force. Renuka Odedra notes Park's free-roaming role resulting in six goals and five assists. Suzanne Wrack selects Jade Rose for her defensive stability and consistency at Manchester City.
Biggest Flop
Several disappointments are noted. Sophie Downey criticises midday kick-off times for harming attendances and fan travel. Tom Garry points to Grace Geyoro's underwhelming season at London City Lionesses after a world-record transfer fee. Emillia Hawkins names Aston Villa, who finished just one point above West Ham and struggled without Kirsty Hanson. Renuka Odedra highlights Leicester City's poor season after sacking their manager just before the campaign, resulting in zero wins in 11 games. Réshma Rao and Suzanne Wrack both criticise the 12pm Sunday kick-off slot, calling for better scheduling and prime-time broadcast slots.
Biggest Gripe
Fixture rescheduling and congested schedules are major concerns. Sophie Downey points to the Arsenal-Leicester game that had to be rescheduled between Champions League semi-final legs, forcing Arsenal to play seven times in 20 days. Tom Garry laments the scheduling of Women's Champions League semi-finals on weekends, causing inconvenience for supporters. Emillia Hawkins questions the effectiveness of having multiple noon kick-offs on Sundays for maximising viewing figures. Renuka Odedra and Réshma Rao highlight the challenge for fans attending multiple games per week, with Rao also condemning persistent misogyny and sexism in comment sections and at matches. Suzanne Wrack calls for greater investment in refereeing and suggests VAR could help reduce errors.
