England trio Alessia Russo, Keira Walsh and Lauren James were among the winners at the inaugural Women’s Football Awards in London on Thursday.
Manchester United striker Russo was named player of the year, while midfielder Walsh, his fellow Euro 2022 winner who joined Barcelona from Manchester City last summer for a world record, won the international player of the year award.
Chelsea striker James and Liverpool midfielder Missy Bo Kearns, both 21, have won the Young Player of the Year category.
There were also gongs for two members of the England men’s team, captain Harry Kane and Declan Rice receiving awards from Allies, and former England and Arsenal striker Ian Wright was named champion Women’s Football of the Year.
The ceremony, hosted by Eni Aluko and Jamie Carragher, followed more than 20,000 public votes cast and ratified by a jury led by United striker Nikita Parris, Real Madrid midfielder Caroline Weir and Sky presenter Sports News Hayley McQueen.
United, who secured their highest Women’s Super League points tally and Champions League qualification for the first time this season, as well as their debut in the Women’s FA Cup final, have been named the best club of the year. .
Others recognized include Fern Whelan, a former Everton and Liverpool player, first head of equality, diversity and inclusion in women’s football for the Professional Footballers’ Association, who was awarded the Off The Pitch award.
Karen Carney, who retired in 2019 with 144 England caps, received a lifetime achievement award, and a special recognition award went to Carol Thomas, the Lionesses’ team captain who was runner-up at the first European Women’s Championship in 1984.
Aluko, another former player to win over 100 England caps, said: “(Thursday) was a career highlight for me. It was a first for women’s football and a defining moment for the game. am so proud to be part of this event.
“For the first time, women’s football got the recognition it deserved. It’s even more special because the public nominated and voted for these awards.
“To see so many incredible footballers, people, organizations and brands recognized for advancing and improving the game we love was phenomenal.”
Sky Sports