Alessia Russo, Keira Walsh, and Lauren James, three players from England, were among the honorees at the first-ever Women's Football Awards, which were held in London on Thursday.
Russo, a forward for Manchester United, won player of the year, while Walsh, a midfielder who also won Euro 2022 and transferred from Manchester City to Barcelona for a record fee last summer, won international player of the year.
Both 21-year-old midfielders Missy Bo Kearns of Liverpool and forward James of Chelsea were named the young player of the year winners.
Aside from collecting ally awards, two members of the England men's squad also received awards. Former England and Arsenal striker Ian Wright was awarded women's football champion of the year.
Following the approval of a judging panel comprised of United striker Nikita Parris, Real Madrid midfielder Caroline Weir, and Sky Sports News presenter Hayley McQueen, the ceremony—hosted by Eni Aluko and Jamie Carragher—was held after more than 20,000 people had cast their votes.
United was named best club of the year. This season, they achieved their highest Women's Super League point total, qualified for the Champions League for the first time, and made their debut in a Women's FA Cup final.
Other individuals acknowledged were former Everton and Liverpool player Fern Whelan, the first women's football equity, diversity and inclusion executive for the Professional Footballers' Association, receiving the Off The Pitch award.
A lifetime achievement award was given to Karen Carney, who retired from the sport in 2019 with 144 England caps, and Carol Thomas, the captain of the Lionesses team that finished second in the first women's European Championship in 1984, received a special recognition award.
Aluko, a former player who has more than 100 England appearances to his credit, said: "Thursday was a high point of my career. For women's football, this was a first and a turning point. I feel extremely honored to be a part of this occasion.
"Women's football has finally received the recognition it deserves. Because the public cast nominations and votes for these awards, it is even more unique.
It was incredible to see so many incredible footballers, people, organizations, and brands honored for advancing and improving the sport we love.
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