Lionesses’ forward Alessia Russo was named the Player of the Year at the inaugural Women’s Football Awards, with compatriot Keira Walsh lifting the International Player of the Year Award and Tottenham striker Harry Kane scooping a major ally award for his efforts to promote growth of the women’s football.
The star-studded event took place on Thursday evening, with former England and Chelsea forward Eni Aluko and SkySports presenter Jamie Carragher hosting the accolades aimed at celebrating those involved in the exponential growth of the women’ game over the last year.
Over 200,000 public votes were cast for winners crowned up and down the football pyramid before a judging panel led by Manchester United and England forward Nikita Parris, SkySports news anchor Hayley McQueen and Real Madrid midfielder Caroline Weir ratified the votes.
And Manchester United 's Russo lifted the Player of the Year award in front of a teeming audience shortly before Walsh–the world’s most expensive women’s footballer of all-time following her move to Barcelona last summer–was crowned International Player of the Year.
Russo has been the subject of swirling transfer rumours with her contract with United set to expire at the end of the season. United rejected a record £450,000 offer from WSL rivals Arsenal for Russo’s services during the January transfer window.
Meanwhile, Kane, along with England teammate Declan Rice, were recognised for their support of the Lionesses in the lead-up to the team’s historic Euro2022 triumph. Spurs’ attacker Rosella Ayane and West Ham forward Vivianne Asseyi paid tribute to the pair as they acknowledged the behind-the-scenes support within women’s football.
Rice was also recognised by Lioness George Stanway for his advice for the women’s national team.
Chelsea starlet Lauren James was crowned Young Footballer of the Year, alongside Liverpool's Missy Bo Kearns whose breakout season has been pivotal in their first season back in the WSL.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright was the recipient of raucous applause as he was named Women’s Football Champion of the year. The former striker has been stridently vocal in his support of the women’s game and knocking back persistent hackneyed stereotypes.
Full 2023 Women's Football Awards, sponsored by SHEIN, winners:
Klarna Player of the Year
Alessia Russo
trivago International Player of the Year
Keira Walsh
XLCR Young Football Player of the Year
Lauren James and Missy Bo Kearns
VISA Best Club of the Year
Manchester United
Broadcaster or Journalist of the Year
Girls on the Ball
Social Asking Women's Football Champion of the Year
Ian Wright
Football Ally of the Year
Declan Rice & Harry Kane
The Watch Fund Marketing Campaign of the Year
Visa 'When More of Us Play, All of Us Win'
Quooker Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award
Three Mobile
Spector, Constant & Williams Grassroots Initiative of the Year
Manchester Laces
Standard Chartered Off the Pitch Award
Fern Whelan
Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility Award
Arnold Clark
Kick X Brand of the Year
Adidas
Gaucho Football Business of the Year
FlowSports
Sponsors Choice Award
Carol Thomas
SHEIN Lifetime Achievement Award
Karen Carney
