The PFA Awards 2025: spotlighting some of the greatest names in domestic English football
The PFA awards took place on Tuesday 19th August to champion the footballing talent in the English leagues. These annual awards represent the growth of the sport and recognise some of the most successful individuals throughout the 2024/25 season.
With several Barclays Women’s Super League stars on the red carpet, the list of nominees showcases the prowess and talent of the league on the global stage.
Four awards are up for grabs: PFA Young Player of the Year, PFA Player’s Player of the Year, the PFA Merit Award, and the PFA Barclay’s WSL Team of the Year. But who came away with these titles? And how did they achieve these accolades with tough competition?
PFA Young Player of the Year
Olivia Smith made history becoming the first Canadian footballer to win a PFA award: she won the PFA Young Player of the Year award. This accolade recognised her impact on Liverpool FC throughout the 2024/25 season, becoming a player to watch for Matt Beard’s side.
However, Smith earned this award in her first season in the WSL. Immediately she moved to to Merseyside and had an instant impact. Not only does her sheer strength and fast-paced movement allow her to play a key role in attacking play and build up, she has an intuition in front of goal that threatens the opposition defence.
With a record-breaking move to the Arsenal in recent weeks, Smith has a bright future ahead of her. The UEFA Women’s Champions League winners welcomed the Canadian with anticipation of her young talent and ambition that can take their attack to the next level.
PFA Player’s Player of the Year
Voted by those playing their domestic football in England, the Player’s Player of the Year could go to no other than Mariona Caldentey. The Spanish midfielder took the WSL by storm, with a move to Arsenal ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Since signing for the Gunners, Caldentey assisted Arsenal to the ultimate title of Champions League winners, alongside a good campaign in the WSL and cup competitions. Her ability to hold up the ball, create attacking visions, and execute perfect passes and shots on target make her one of the best in the industry. There is no competition for the number eight role when the Spanish midfielder is in the squad.
Success follows Caldentey wherever she goes, so this award is another trophy to add to her cabinet. This award is a testament to her hard-working nature and determination to perform at her very best, hence being recognised by others in the WSL.
PFA Merit Award
The PFA Merit Award recognises individuals for their contributions to football within the English set up. This accolade was awarded to former Chelsea head coach, Emma Hayes.
For over a decade Hayes has been a key figure in the development and success of women’s football in the nation. Her ambitions for the growth of the sport drive positive change and encourage the generation of girls to get involved in football. Hayes promotes fulfilment of potential and talent, fully deserving this recognition from the PFA.
Currently taking on her new role as head coach of the USA Women’s National team, Hayes has taken her experience and football intelligence to the States. From domestic football management to the international stage is no easy challenge, but nothing phases Hayes. She is one of the greatest in the women’s game, with this being far from the last award she achieves for contributions to football in her lifetime.
PFA Barclays WSL Team of the Year
Eleven individuals made the PFA Barclays WSL Team of the Year. This selection is also voted by the players themselves, spotlighting a number of players for their contributions to the league over the course of last season. The confirmed Team of the Year is as follows:
Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United), Jayde Rivière (Manchester United), Emily Fox (Arsenal), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Millie Bright (Chelsea), Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City), Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea), Kim Little (Arsenal), Alessia Russo (Arsenal), Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal), Mary Fowler (Manchester City).
With only four of twelve teams in the WSL represented, this highlights the gap between the bigger clubs and those developing at a slower rate in the top-flight of English football. However, take nothing away from these players as this achievement is credit to their outstanding performances this season. The WSL is abundant with talent and world-class players, commended rightfully in the PFA awards.