The Professional Footballers' Association Women's Player of the Year is an annual award given to the player who is voted the best of the year in English football by members of the PFA. Likewise, the PFA Women's Young Player of the Year award is handed to the best player in English football who was 23 years old or younger when the season began.
The first-ever PFA Women's Player of the Year award was presented at the culmination of the 2012-13 FA Women's Super League season. Scottish midfielder and now Arsenal captain Kim Little won it. The first Young Player of the Season award was presented to Martha Harris after the 2013-14 season.
There are some familiar faces in the two six-player shortlists, but only two will end up with the prestigious awards. The winners will be announced on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
2019-20 PFA Player of the Year nominees
* FA WSL 2019/20 stats
Bethany England – Chelsea – 14 goals, 4 assists
The 2019-20 season was Beth England's best up to this day. She managed 14 goals and four assists in just 15 matches, leading Chelsea to its third WSL win. She went on a goalscoring spree, scoring seven goals in Chelsea's last five matches to help secure the trophy. She also scored two goals in the FA WSL Cup final to help the Blues defeat Arsenal 2-1.
Guro Reiten – Chelsea – 5 goals, 7 assists
Norwegian winger Guro Reiten proved to be one of the most lethal attackers in the league in her first season playing in England. The left-footed forward usually plays on the left-wing, allowing her to provide plenty of assists as she did this season, finishing second with seven to Arsenal's Vivianne Miedema and Janine Beckie's eight. Reiten also proved to be good in front of goal, scoring five goals.
Kim Little – Arsenal – 5 goals, 2 assists
The first PFA Women's Player of the Year award recipient is back with another nomination at age 30. Arsenal captain Kim Little scored five goals and recorded two assists in 12 games. Her season ended abruptly in January when she suffered a foot injury. She is back in full training and is expected to start in Arsenal's season opener against Reading on Sunday.
Vivianne Miedema – Arsenal – 16 goals, 8 assists
The reigning PFA Women's Player of the Year, Vivianne Miedema, is back in contention for the award after another incredible season. The Dutch forward finished the 2018-19 season with 22 goals and 10 assists in 20 games. She was on par to meet those numbers, scoring 16 goals and assisting eight in just 14 matches, but COVID-19 and postponed matches due to poor pitch conditions got in the way.
Sophie Ingle – Chelsea – 4 goals
Midfielder Sophie Ingle played an important part in Chelsea's road to WSL glory this season. She scored four goals in 15 games, but most of her contribution came in the form of goal and shot creation, passing and defensive actions.
Ji So-yun – Chelsea – 6 goals, 3 assists
The only non-European player to win the PFA Player of the Year award, Ji So-yun, is back with hopes to claim a second. The South Korean attacking midfielder won it after a glamorous first season in England (2014-15), where she scored nine goals. This time out, she scored six goals and registered three assists in 13 appearances.
2019-20 PFA Young Player of the Year nominees
Chloe Kelly – Everton – 9 goals, 1 assist
Chloe Kelly managed nine goals and one assist in just 12 matches. She was Everton's lifeline throughout the competition and helped the Merseyside club reach 6th place. Given her successful season, Kelly earned her debut with the English national team in the SheBelieves Cup and a move to Manchester City. The 22-year-old striker arrives as favorite to win the award.
Ellie Roebuck – Manchester City – 10 clean sheets, 46 saves
Twenty-year-old Goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck kept 10 clean sheets, four more than Arsenal's Manuela Zinsberger who came second. Roebuck had the best save percentage, 0.85, in the league facing 55 shots and saving 46. She is one of the most exciting talents in the world, and do not be surprised if her goalkeeping efforts make her the first player in her position to win a PFA award.
Erin Cuthbert – Chelsea – 2 goals, 4 assists
The Scottish winger is following the steps of the legendary Scottish international Kim Little. She bagged-in two goals and assisted four in her 12 starts.
Georgia Stanway – Manchester City – 4 goals, 2 assists
Georgia Stanway won the PFA Young Player of the Year award last year and she is back for another. She only started eight of 13 goals but took part in six goal contributions.
Lauren Hemp – Manchester City – 5 goals, 5 assists
Attacking midfielder Lauren Hemp is another young Manchester City player who shined this season. She improved from two goals and one assist on the 2018-19 season – first with Manchester City – to five goals and five assists. She is up there with teammates Roebuck and Kelly as favorites to win the award.
Lauren James – Manchester United – 6 goals
Manchester United striker Lauren James is the youngest nominee in the list. The 18-year-old began the season at age 17 and started nine out of 12 matches, scoring six goals. Her young age might give her a push to edge closer to winning the Young Player of the Year award.
