Caldentey and Smith scoop PFA awards as Hayes honoured with merit prize

Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey has been voted the Professional Footballers’ Association Women’s Player of the Year, while her new club colleague Olivia Smith collected the Young Player of the Year accolade, Sport360NG reports.

Emma Hayes, now head coach of the United States, received the PFA merit award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the women’s game following a glittering spell at Chelsea.

Caldentey, 29, impressed in her debut campaign with Arsenal after arriving from Barcelona, netting 19 times across 41 appearances in all competitions. That included nine goals and five assists in the Women’s Super League (WSL).

The Spain international, who was also crowned WSL Player of the Year by fans in May, said she valued the recognition from her peers:

“There is nothing better than when your opponents recognise your job,” she told BBC Sport. “It feels nice, but my main ambition remains winning trophies with the club.”

Caldentey beat competition from Arsenal teammate Alessia Russo, Manchester City duo Mary Fowler and Yui Hasegawa, Chelsea’s Erin Cuthbert and Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce.

Her first season ended in style as Arsenal finished runners-up in the WSL and lifted the Champions League after defeating Barcelona 1-0, with Caldentey playing the full match.

Smith breaks new ground

Canada striker Olivia Smith made history as the first overseas player to claim the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

The 21-year-old joined Arsenal in July from Liverpool for £1m, becoming the most expensive signing in women’s football. She had scored nine goals in 20 league matches for the Reds last season after arriving from Sporting in Portugal for just over £200,000.

Smith, who made her senior international debut at 15, said the award carried huge personal meaning:

“This genuinely means the world to me, knowing that no other foreigner has won this award. When I go home and see girls inspired by me, it’s massive. Being a role model is a huge privilege and I want this to help other girls and boys.”

Chelsea’s Aggie Beever-Jones, Maika Hamano and Weikie Kaptein, Manchester United midfielder Grace Clinton, and City’s Fowler were also shortlisted.

Hayes recognised for lasting impact

Widely considered one of the most influential coaches in women’s football, Hayes spent 12 years at Chelsea, winning 16 major trophies including seven WSL titles and five FA Cups. She was also named WSL Manager of the Season six times and collected FIFA’s Best Coach award twice.

Since stepping down in 2024, she has led the USA to Olympic gold in Paris. Off the pitch, the 48-year-old has been a prominent advocate for research into women’s health, particularly the links between the menstrual cycle, ACL injuries, and player nutrition.

Arsenal dominate team of the year

Arsenal’s Champions League triumph was reflected in the PFA WSL Team of the Year, with four Gunners selected. Emily Fox, Kim Little, Caldentey and Russo all made the XI.

They were joined by United trio Tullis-Joyce, Maya Le Tissier and Jayde Riviere, Chelsea pair Bright and Cuthbert, and City duo Hasegawa and Fowler.

PFA Women’s Team of the Year (2025):

Goalkeeper: Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United)

Defenders: Emily Fox (Arsenal), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Millie Bright (Chelsea), Jayde Riviere (Manchester United)

Midfielders: Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City), Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea), Kim Little (Arsenal)

Forwards: Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal), Alessia Russo (Arsenal), Mary Fowler (Manchester City)