Breaking news: GOAL has released its ranking for the 2025-26 Women’s Super League Player of the Year, and Chelsea’s Lauren James has taken the crown. The England forward edges out Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw and Arsenal’s Alessia Russo in a top 3 that reflects just how elite the WSL has become. GOAL’s full Top 20 list is out now, and “see more” shows a league packed with world-class talent.
Lauren James: The complete forward
GOAL awarded James the No.1 spot after a season where she combined goals, assists, and big-game impact like no one else. The Chelsea star finished with 17 goals and 11 assists in the league, but the numbers don’t tell the whole story.
She was Chelsea’s go-to player when matches got tight. Against Arsenal, Man City, and in Champions League knockout games, James produced moments that decided titles. Her dribbling, vision, and ability to score from anywhere made her unplayable at times.
GOAL’s verdict: “James isn’t just Chelsea’s best player. She’s the WSL’s best player. She dictates games, breaks lines, and has the mentality of a champion. At 23, her ceiling is still rising.”Shaw and Russo lead the chase
2. Khadija Shaw, Manchester City “Bunny” Shaw was a goal machine again. 21 WSL goals made her the league’s top scorer for the second year running. Her physicality and finishing give City a constant threat. GOAL says she’s “the most dominant No.9 in England, full stop.”
3. Alessia Russo, Arsenal* – Russo’s first full season at Arsenal saw her become their main scorer and link player. 15 goals, relentless pressing, and crucial strikes in the North London Derby put her firmly in the conversation. GOAL praised her “all-round game and knack for stepping up when Arsenal need her most.”
GOAL’s Top 20: Depth like never before
The rest of GOAL’s Top 20 shows why the WSL is the best league in the world right now. Chelsea and Man City dominate the list with 6 players each, but Arsenal, Man United, and Brighton all have multiple entries.
Top 10 highlights
4. Guro Reiten, Chelsea* – Still the WSL’s best set-piece taker
5. Yui Hasegawa, Man City The midfield metronome
6. Mary Earps, Man United Goalkeeping consistency
7. *Sam Kerr, Chelsea* – Injuries limited minutes, but impact when fit was huge
8. Vivianne Miedema, Man City Showed flashes of her world-class best post-injury
9. Katie McCabe, Arsenal/Chelsea Leadership + set-piece threat
10. Aggie Beever-Jones, Chelsea Breakout season from the young forward
GOAL’s full 20 includes rising stars like Grace Clinton, Mayra Ramírez, and Ella Toone, plus defensive rocks like Millie Bright and Alex Greenwood.
What it means for the league
Having James, Shaw, and Russo as the top 3 tells you everything about the WSL in 2025-26: it’s fast, physical, technical, and ruthless. The gap between No.1 and No.20 is smaller than ever.
For England fans, it’s exciting too. James, Russo, and Shaw are all in their prime, and the WSL is giving them the platform to push each other every week.
GOAL sums it up: “This isn’t just a list. It’s proof the WSL has more match-winners than any other league. Lauren James is Player of the Year, but on any given Sunday, Nos. 2-20 can beat you.”
