PFA Awards 2025: Caldentey named PFA women’s player of the year as Smith wins young player award
Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey claims the PFA women’s player award after a stellar debut season, while Olivia Smith earns young player honours following a record transfer.
Arsenal midfielder Mariona Caldentey has been named the Professional Footballers' Association women’s player of the year, with Canada forward Olivia Smith winning the young player award.
Caldentey scored 19 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions during her debut season at Arsenal, including nine goals and five assists in the Women's Super League (WSL).
Selected from a shortlist that included Alessia Russo, Mary Fowler, Yui Hasegawa, Erin Cuthbert and Phallon Tullis-Joyce, the Spain international also helped the Gunners secure a Champions League title with a 1-0 win over Barcelona.
Smith breaks transfer record
At 21, Smith became the most expensive signing in women’s football history after moving from Liverpool to Arsenal for £1 million in July. The Canada international, who debuted at 15, scored nine WSL goals in 20 matches before her transfer.
Other young player nominees were Aggie Beever-Jones, Maika Hamano, Weikie Kaptein, Grace Clinton and Mary Fowler.
Hayes honoured with merit award
USA manager Emma Hayes received the PFA merit award for her impact on women’s football, having led Chelsea to 16 trophies over 12 years and guided the US to Olympic gold in 2024.
Off the field, Hayes has championed research into women’s health, including menstrual cycle patterns, ACL injury prevention and nutrition education.
Caldentey’s stellar debut season at Arsenal earns her the PFA women’s player of the year award, while Olivia Smith sets a new transfer record to claim young player honours.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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