Caldentey and Smith win PFA player of the year awards

Mariona Caldentey, a midfielder for Arsenal, has been named the Professional Footballers’ Association’s female player of the year, along with Olivia Smith, a new team-mate.

Emma Hayes, the USA manager, was honored with the PFA merit award for her contributions to women’s football during her glittering career with Chelsea.

After receiving her first PFA award, the Spanish midfielder said, “There is nothing better than when your opponents recognize your job.”

As a footballer, Caldentey stated to BBC Sport, “You want to win the trophies with the team and then this happens when you are successful.”

“It feels nice, but I want to win awards with the club.”

The shortlist included Chelsea’s Erin Cuthbert, Manchester United’s Phallon Tullis-Joyce, and Arsenal team-mate Alessia Russo.

Caldentey, a Spain international, won the WSL player of the year award in May, a distinction that supporters voted for.

Chelsea defeated Barcelona 1-0 in the Champions League final, with Caldentey playing the entire game, leaving Arsenal second overall in the WSL.

Smith, a forward from Canada, described it as “the first foreign player to win the award.”

Knowing that no other foreigner has won this award, she said, “This genuinely means the world to me.”

Being a role model for girls who inspire me and inspire me is both a huge honor and a huge privilege whenever I return home. This will benefit both girls and boys, I believe.

Smith, age 21, signed for the Gunners from Liverpool for £1 million, making her the most expensive signing in women’s football history.

At age 15, Smith made her international debut by joining Liverpool for a club-record fee of just over $200,000 from Portuguese side Sporting.

Before agreeing to a move to Arsenal in July, she scored nine goals in 20 games in the WSL.

Hayes is regarded as one of the game’s most influent coaches, and he was instrumental in creating the Chelsea dynasty that has helped them to rule English football for the past ten years.

The 48-year-old, who led the Blues for 12 years, has won 16 titles, including seven WSL titles and five FA Cups.

She has won two awards for Best Fifa football coach and six times for the season in the WSL.

Hayes has continued to enjoy success with the USA, winning them gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, since leaving Chelsea at the end of the 2023-24 season.

Champions League winners Arsenal, with four players included, were the WSL team of the year, which the players chose.

Along with Tullis-Joyce, Maya le Tissier, and Jayde Riviere from Manchester United, Emily Fox, Kim Little, Caldentey, and Russo were included in the starting lineup.

Millie Bright and Erin Cuthbert were inducted as Chelsea’s champions, while Hasegawa and Fowler were inducted as Manchester City’s starting lineup.

Goalkeeper:

Manchester United Phallon Tullis-Joyce

Defenders:

(Arsenal) Emily Fox

Manchester United’s Maya Le Tissier

Millie Bright (Chelsea)

Manchester United’s Jayde Riviere

Midfielders:

Manchester City’s Yui Hasegawa

Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea)

Kim Little (Arsenal)

Forwards:

Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal)

Alessia Russo (Arsenal)