Shaw’s PFA award for the Caribbean

MANCHESTER, England (AP):

REGGAE GIRL skipper and Manchester City ace Khadija Shaw says winning the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Player of the Year Award yesterday isn’t just for her, but for every young girl in the Caribbean.

“But you know from a young girl growing up I always had a dream and that dream was to be the best that I can be.

“And each and every day I try to do that not just on the field, but off the field and see how I can inspire young girls not just in Jamaica, but in the Caribbean to show that OK, if I can do it is definitely possible for you, you just have to believe in your dream,” said Shaw during an interview with BBC Sport after winning the award yesterday.

Shaw was the top scorer in the Women’s Super League, the Jamaican forward netting 21 goals, although City lost the title on goal difference to Chelsea.

England international and Shaw’s clubmate Phil Foden won the men’s player of the year award for helping Manchester City win a fourth consecutive Premier League title, scoring 19 times and providing eight assists.

Shaw and Foden also won the equivalent award from the Football Writers’ Association, which is voted on by journalists. The PFA winners are selected by professional players.

Chelsea attacking midfielder Cole Palmer was voted the men’s PFA young player of the year, with Manchester United midfielder Grace Clinton winning the women’s prize after her performances on loan at Tottenham last season.

Palmer was second only to City’s Erling Haaland in the Premier League scoring charts with 22 goals and also had more assists than any other Chelsea player, with 11. Haaland won the men’s player of the year award in 2023.

Clinton contributed four goals and four assists in 20 WSL appearances.