Arsenal and Chelsea Stars Dominate 2026 London Football Awards Shortlist | OneFootball

The nominees for the 2026 London Football Awards have been officially announced, and it is a star-studded affair for the capital’s Barclays Women’s Super League clubs.

With the ceremony set for Thursday, 5 March at Exhibition White City, the shortlist highlights the incredible individual talent driving London’s top-flight teams this season.

WSL Player of the Year: A Five-Way Battle

Arsenal lead the charge in the flagship WSL Player of the Year category with three nominees. Following the Gunners’ recent success in domestic competition, Alessia Russo and Emily Fox are nominated. Captain Kim Little MBE, who praised Arsenal for rising to the occasion in recent weeks, has also been recognised for her influention role in North London.

However, they face stiff competition from across the city. Chelsea’s Keira Walsh is shortlisted after a season where she proved pivotal in the Blues’ unbeaten run and secured a vital derby win over Tottenham. Speaking of Spurs, Olivia Holdt completes the five-player shortlist, rewarding her clinical form in front of goal for the Lilywhites.

Rising Stars: Women’s Young Player of the Year

The future of the game is well-represented in the Women’s Young Player of the Year category (for players under 21). Chelsea duo Alyssa Thompson and Wieke Kaptein are both in the running, with Thompson currently leading the scoring charts for the Blues.

Tottenham Hotspur also see two of their brightest talents nominated: Cathinka Tandberg and Tōko Koga. The shortlist is rounded out by Freya Godfrey of London City Lionesses, representing the high level of talent currently found in the Women’s Championship.

Celebrating Excellence Off the Pitch

This year sees the introduction of the PFA Women’s Player in the Community Champion award. This honour recognizes players who have used their platform for social good throughout 2025. The nominees are:

Additionally, Tottenham’s Lize Kop is a contender for Goalkeeper of the Year (competing in a mixed-gender category), while Spurs boss Martin Ho is up for Manager of the Year following his side’s impressive tactical evolution.

The London Football Awards continue to support the Willow Foundation, the charity founded by Bob Wilson and his wife Megs. Fans can keep up with all the latest WSL news and transfer updates at She Kicks as we head toward the awards night in March.