Broadcasting queen Kelly Cates stole the spotlight as she was crowned Media Figure of the Year at the 2026 SHEIN Women’s Football Awards.
A familiar face to millions, the Match of the Day star has become one of the most trusted voices in football – and a driving force behind bringing the women’s game firmly into the mainstream.
From fronting blockbuster fixtures to leading the biggest debates in the studio, she’s made sure the women’s game gets the same spotlight, respect and serious analysis as the men’s.
This year’s award, voted for by the public, proves just how much impact she’s had in changing the conversation and pushing the game to new heights.
It was a glittering night all round, with stars including Gok Wan, Denise van Outen and Carol Vorderman turning heads on the night.
They were joined by some of the biggest names in women’s football, including Millie Bright, Michelle Agyemang, Bunny Shaw and Alex Greenwood.
Hosted by fellow broadcasting heavyweights Gabby Logan and Jamie Carragher, the glamorous ceremony took place at the luxurious Chancery Rosewood London in the heart of Mayfair.
Collecting her award, Cates described the win as ‘a real honour,’ with Carragher also keen to pay tribute to his fellow Sky Sports colleague.
‘Kelly’s the gold standard – she’s got that rare mix of authority, warmth and sharpness that makes everyone else raise their game,’ he said.
‘Whether it’s the biggest matches or the toughest conversations, she just gets it right every time. A really deserving winner.”
Meanwhile, Logan added: ‘The Women’s Football Awards celebrates the best in the game. There were some incredible winners again this evening. The event just keeps getting bigger and better every year.’
Charlotte Anthony, from headline sponsor Shein, said: ‘It was another amazing Women’s Football Awards and it was fantastic to celebrate with so many deserving winners.’
Full list of Women’s Football Awards 2026 winners
Player of the Year: Bunny Shaw (Manchester City)
Young Player of the Year: Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United)
Rising Star: Michelle Agyemang (Arsenal)
Special Tribute: Matt Beard (posthumous)
Special Recognition: Charlotte O’Neill
Special Recognition: Maria Karlsson de Cecco
Special Recognition: Orreco
Special Recognition: Manchester Corinthians
Media Figure of the Year: Kelly Cates
Inspirational Role Model: Bethany England
Brand of the Year: Adobe
Legal Team of the Year: RPC
Global Impact Award: Adidas
Best Marketing Campaign: Chelsea Football Club
Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility: Premier League
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award: Liverpool Football Club
Community Impact Award: Goals4Girls
Football Business of the Year: Foudys
Football Agency of the Year: Tongue Tied Management
Best Grassroots Initiative: Cash4Clubs
Football Business Trailblazer: Kay Cossington MBE
Best Breakthrough Business: AFTA Studios
Best Social Media: The Football Association – Lionesses
Women’s Football Champion: Debbie Hewitt MBE
Best Fan Engagement: London City Lionesses
Club of the Year: Manchester City
Game Changer: Nikita Parris
Off The Pitch Award: Rachel Pavlou
Unsung Hero: Eartha Pond
Lifetime Achievement: Mo Marley
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