Manchester City’s Bunny Shaw was named player of the year at the Women’s Football awards while England players Mary Earps, Georgia Stanway and Maya Le Tissier were also recognised at the star-studded event in London.

Shaw, who also won the Football Writers’ award earlier this month, enjoyed an outstanding season with 21 goals in 18 games.

Lionesses’ and Manchester United goalkeeper Earps won the World Cup hero award following an impressive tournament in Australia and New Zealand last summer.

Former England international Alex Scott was voted broadcaster of the year while England boss Sarina Wiegman was named manager of the year.

Kerry Davis, the first black woman to represent England, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Olympic champion Denise Lewis.

Hosted by Chelsea and England legend Eni Aluko and Sky Sports presenter Jamie Carragher, the Women’s Football Awards, supported by online fashion and lifestyle retailer SHEIN and VISA, celebrated the players, people, brands and organisations who have contributed to the phenomenal growth of the sport.

Launched in 2023, the awards are the first publicly-voted ceremony to recognise all levels of the game, from grassroots greatness to superstar players.

‘The 2024 Women’s Football Awards was, once again, a landmark moment for the sport and a highlight of my career,’ said former Chelsea and England star Aluko.

‘From players to coaches, global brands to grassroots volunteers, the best of the best were in the room tonight and I have to thank our sponsors, SHEIN and Visa, for their incredible support.

‘I am very proud to co-host this special evening alongside Jamie Carragher and devote an entire evening to celebrating the superstars of women’s football at all levels.

‘Congratulations to all of our nominees and, of course, our amazing winners. We are already planning our 2025 event – hopefully when our Lionesses return from the European Championships as champions once more!’

Sky Sports presenter Carragher added. ‘The atmosphere in the room tonight was fantastic.

‘The Women’s Football Awards is a special event and the winners are all incredible people.

‘This was a true celebration of the women’s game. I am looking forward to seeing the sport continue to grow at a phenomenal rate and I’ll do what I can to help.’

Real Madrid icon Caroline Weir opened the evening with an emotional speech which addressed the growth of the sport and a heartfelt tribute to her former team-mate Steph Houghton, who was crowned inspirational role model following her retirement earlier this month.

‘I vividly remember watching this player represent Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics as a young aspiring footballer,’ Weir said of Houghton. ‘Seeing her and the rest of the team play at Wembley was all the encouragement I needed. Sometimes you do have to see it to believe it.

I then had the honour of being this next winner’s teammate at Arsenal, Manchester City and Team GB, where we shared some unforgettable moments.

‘She is undoubtedly one of the most dedicated, professional and competitive players I have played with, and a true leader who has taken the sport to new heights on and off the pitch.

‘I feel very lucky to call her a good friend. A couple of weekends ago, she hung up her boots on an iconic 22-year playing career, winning 16 trophies, including three Women’s Super

League titles, and leading the Lionesses in three separate major tournaments.

‘She is, without question, a pioneer of English football.’

Weir, who is recovering from an ACL injury, highlighted the importance of the awards ceremony for shining a light on the women’s game.

‘It was important for me to be here because I know how impactful events which honour women and our achievements on and off the pitch can be,’ Weir said.

‘The Women’s Football Awards is directly contributing to raising awareness and taking the women’s game to the next level on a global scale, by supporting and providing a platform for real trailblazers of the game.’