Arsenal striker Alessia Russo and Chelsea forward Lauren James both took home the Player of the Year award at the 2025 Women’s Football Awards.
Russo has registered an impressive 12 goals in 19 WSL games so far this season, and has also played a pivotal role in helping guide Arsenal to their first Women’s Champions League final since 2007.
James, meanwhile, played her part in helping Chelsea cruise to a sixth straight WSL title on Wednesday, scoring three goals in nine games in what has proved an injury-affected campaign for the Lionesses star.
Returning for its third consecutive year with Metro as its media partner, the on-pitch accolades at the Women’s Football Awards were dominated by Chelsea, who were also crowned Club of the Year.
Rising star Aggie Beever-Jones took home the Young Player of the Year Award, while Blues boss Sonia Bompastor was honoured with the Manager of the Year award, marking a stunning debut season in charge.
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Chelsea and England midfielder Keira Walsh took home the Inspirational Role Model award on a star-studded night that also celebrated the trailblazers and changemakers behind the scenes in the women’s game.
‘The stories we heard tonight are shaping the future of football,’ Women’s Football Awards host Gabby Logan said.
‘From world-class players like Lauren James and Alessia Russo to the trailblazing work being done off the pitch by clubs, brands, and broadcasters – every winner represents a step forward for the women’s game.
‘The Women’s Football Awards have been an inspiring celebration of progress, purpose, and passion once again.’
Fresh off their dominant performance against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals, Barcelona were amongst the awards, with Alexia Putellas named International Player of the Year.
Jamie Carragher, co-host for the evening, praised the winners, saying: ‘The Women’s Football Awards is Europe’s biggest celebration of the people powering the phenomenal rise of the women’s game.
‘It was a privilege to be involved once again and help shine a light on the players, coaches, clubs, and leaders who are not just making history, they are changing the future of football.’
Full list of Women’s Football Awards 2025 winners
Linklaters Player of the Year
Lauren James (Chelsea) & Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
Morrisons Young Player of the Year
Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea)
VISA International Player of the Year
Alexia Putellas (Spain)
Manager or Coach Award
Sonia Bompastor (Chelsea)
Applied Nutrition Inspirational Role Model
Keira Walsh
Women’s Football Icon
Viviane Asseyi
Scottish Power Club of the Year
Chelsea FC Women
Broadcaster/Journalist Award
Seema Jaswal
The Premier League Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award
Sky Sports & Tottenham Hotspur
Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility
Three UK
Brand of the Year
Adobe
Marketing Campaign of the Year
Persil & Arsenal – Every Stain Should Be Part of the Game
Best Social Media
The FA
Best Fan Engagement
Brighton & Hove Albion
Panini Women’s Football Champion
Chloe Morgan, She’s A Baller
Off the Pitch Award
Paul Barber OBE
Best Breakthrough Business
Victoria’s Secret
Grassroots Initiative Award
Manchester United Foundation – Girls’ Football Development
Football Business of the Year
Rept Sports
Cadbury Game Changer Award
Anita Asante
Football Business Trailblazer
Anna Deignan
Legal Team of the Year
RPC
Unsung Hero Award
Fiona McIntyre
SHEIN Lifetime Achievement Award
Kelly Simmons OBE
Elsewhere, Broadcasting talent was also recognised, with the esteemed Seema Jaswal winning Broadcaster of the Year. The broadcaster was applauded for her commitment to elevating the profile of women’s football.
Adobe, Three UK, Persil, and Sky Sports took home top awards for their innovation and advocacy, while The FA was celebrated for Best Social Media thanks to its dynamic and engaging Lionesses content.
And the FA’s former Director of Women’s Professional Game, Kelly Simmons, took home the SHEIN Lifetime Achievement Award for her remarkable work in driving forward the women’s and girls’ and grassroots game.
Shihong Liu, Director, Europe Markets at headline sponsor SHEIN, said: ‘We are proud to be part of the Women’s Football Awards for the third year running.
‘It was an inspiring evening that shone a light on the immense talent, determination, and impact of women in football. We extend our congratulations to all of the winners and nominees and look forward to another incredible year for the women’s game.’
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