Women’s Football Awards Nominations: Mary Earps, Steph Houghton and More | OneFootball

The Women’s Football Awards nominations have been revealed, with Mary Earps, Steph Houghton and Alex Scott among the standout names set to be recognised on another big night for the game.

The 2026 ceremony will take place on 7 May, with the latest shortlist once again mixing current stars, Lionesses favourites and some of the figures who have helped drag women’s football into the mainstream. As ever, the Women’s Football Awards feel like a marker of how far the sport has come – and who is driving it forward now.

Women’s Footballer of the Year: The headline nominees

The flagship player categories are stacked, with WSL title challengers, established internationals and next-generation talents all in the frame. It follows a season in which the domestic game has kept pushing standards higher, something reflected too in the wider Women’s Footballer of the Year 2026 shortlist.

Young talent is also well represented, with Grace Clinton and Maya Le Tissier among those tipped for recognition. That feels entirely right – the pipeline is strong, and the next wave is not waiting around politely.

Icons, role models and recognition beyond the pitch

Steph Houghton remains one of the most meaningful names in the mix. Few players have carried club and country with such steadiness, and her place in these conversations is a reminder of the standards she set for Manchester City, England and the wider professional game.

Alex Scott, meanwhile, continues to bridge eras. Long before her broadcasting career made her one of the most visible voices in football, she was an elite player and Arsenal trailblazer, and her presence at the Women’s Football Awards underlines that the event is about legacy as much as current form.

Scott was among the notable winners at the 2024 ceremony, where the awards celebrated players, broadcasters and pioneers across the sport.

That wider recognition matters. Awards for contribution, visibility and advocacy have become part of the sport’s ecosystem now, whether that is honouring former Lionesses, spotlighting campaigns for inclusion, or acknowledging work such as Ian Wright’s support for girls’ football in schools. It is not separate from the football – it is part of how the game grows.

When are the Women’s Football Awards?

The 2026 Women’s Football Awards are set for 7 May, with Gabby Logan and Jamie Carragher named as hosts. Expect the usual blend of WSL stars, Lionesses names and high-profile supporters, with David Beckham previously among those attending as the event’s profile has grown.

There is already plenty of overlap with other end-of-season honours, including the London Football Awards nominees from the WSL, but this night has carved out its own place by celebrating the whole women’s football landscape. Keep an eye on She Kicks for updates on the shortlist, the winners and all the best bits from the ceremony.