Mariona Caldentey Wins Stunning PFA Player of the Year Award
A Night of Celebration: Caldentey and Smith Shine at PFA Awards
Football fans witnessed a historic moment as Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey was crowned the PFA Women’s Player of the Year, solidifying her status as one of the game’s elite players. Meanwhile, her young teammate Olivia Smith claimed the PFA Young Player of the Year award, proving that Arsenal’s future is in brilliant hands. The ceremony also honored USWNT coach Emma Hayes with the prestigious PFA Merit Award, a fitting tribute to her unparalleled influence on the sport.
Mariona Caldentey: A Season of Brilliance
Since joining Arsenal from Barcelona, Mariona Caldentey has been nothing short of phenomenal. The 29-year-old Spanish midfielder made an immediate impact, scoring 19 goals in 41 matches across all competitions. Her nine WSL goals and five assists were crucial in keeping Arsenal in the title race until the final day, though they narrowly finished second behind Chelsea.
What sets Mariona Caldentey apart is her ability to deliver in high-pressure moments. She played every minute of Arsenal’s stunning 1-0 Champions League victory over Barcelona, a match that underscored her defensive discipline and creative flair. Her performances earned her the WSL Player of the Year award in May, and now, with the PFA trophy in hand, she has cemented her place among the best players in women’s football.
Competition for the award was fierce, with nominees including Arsenal’s Alessia Russo, Manchester City duo Mary Fowler and Yui Hasegawa, Chelsea’s Erin Cuthbert, and Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce. Yet, Mariona Caldentey’s consistency and match-winning contributions set her above the rest.
Olivia Smith: The Future Star of Women’s Football
At just 21 years old, Olivia Smith is already redefining expectations. Her £1 million transfer to Arsenal in July shattered records, making her the most expensive signing in women’s football history—a clear sign of her immense potential. Her debut WSL season was nothing short of electrifying, netting nine goals in 20 matches and proving why she’s considered a generational talent.
Smith’s journey has been impressive—from breaking into the Canadian national team at 15 to starring at Sporting Lisbon and Liverpool before her blockbuster move to Arsenal. The PFA Young Player of the Year award is merely the latest milestone in what promises to be a legendary career.
She faced stiff competition from Chelsea’s Aggie Beever-Jones, Maika Hamano, and Wieke Kaptein, along with Manchester United’s Grace Clinton and Manchester City’s Mary Fowler. Yet, Smith’s blend of pace, technical skill, and composure in front of goal made her the standout choice.
Emma Hayes: A Legacy of Excellence
Beyond the players, the night belonged to Emma Hayes, the visionary behind Chelsea’s dominance in women’s football. After 12 remarkable seasons, Hayes left Chelsea as the most decorated manager in the game, amassing 16 trophies, including seven WSL titles and five FA Cups. Her tactical genius earned her the WSL Manager of the Season award six times, along with two FIFA Best Women’s Coach honors.
Now leading the US Women’s National Team, Hayes has already guided them to Olympic gold in Paris 2024, proving her ability to succeed at the highest level. Off the pitch, she has been a relentless advocate for women’s health, championing research into menstrual health, ACL injury prevention, and female athlete nutrition. The PFA Merit Award serves as a fitting recognition of her tireless work in growing the sport.
The Future of Women’s Football is Here
The 2024 PFA Awards underscored the incredible evolution of women’s football. From Mariona Caldentey’s dominance to Olivia Smith’s meteoric rise and Emma Hayes’ trailblazing leadership, the sport continues to reach new heights.
These achievements go beyond trophies—they inspire the next generation of players, coaches, and fans, proving that women’s football is not just thriving but rewriting history. With talent like this leading the way, the future has never been brighter.
For more updates on the biggest stories in women’s football, stay tuned—exciting times lie ahead!
