Arsenal and Spain star Mariona Caldentey has been named the Women’s PFA Players’ Player of the Year, edging out fellow Arsenal forward and England international Alessia Russo to claim one of the most prestigious individual honours in women’s football. The award, voted for by fellow professional players, recognises the footballer who has made the biggest impact during the season.
Caldentey’s victory caps an extraordinary debut season in English football. After joining Arsenal from Barcelona, the Spanish midfielder quickly established herself as one of the Women’s Super League’s standout performers. Her creativity, composure and leadership in midfield played a major role in Arsenal’s impressive campaign, helping the club challenge at the top of the league and enjoy success in European competition. She finished the league season with nine goals and five assists, numbers that underlined her influence in attack as well as her ability to control matches from midfield.
The competition for the award was fierce. Alessia Russo enjoyed another remarkable season, sharing the WSL Golden Boot and continuing to prove why she is regarded as one of England’s finest forwards. Russo’s goals and consistent performances made her one of the favourites for the award, but her teammate’s all-round brilliance ultimately earned greater recognition from fellow professionals.
Other nominees included Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert, Manchester City stars Mary Fowler and Yui Hasegawa, and Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce. Each enjoyed outstanding campaigns, highlighting the growing quality and competitiveness of women’s football in England.
For Arsenal, Caldentey’s triumph is another indication that the club possesses some of the world’s best talents. Having both the winner and runner-up of the award in their squad demonstrates the strength and depth of the Gunners’ women’s team. Caldentey’s success also places her among the elite players in world football and further strengthens her credentials as one of the game’s leading stars.
As Arsenal prepare for another season of domestic and European challenges, Mariona Caldentey’s latest accolade serves as both recognition of her remarkable first year in England and a warning to rivals that she is only just beginning her journey with the North London club.
