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Another thrilling Women's Super League (WSL) season has concluded, marking a major shift in English women’s football. After six consecutive years of Chelsea dominance, Manchester City finally claimed their first league title in a decade, while Arsenal emerged as their strongest challengers, echoing their own championship-winning form from the previous campaign.

As the season closes, attention swiftly turns toward the summer transfer window. With speculation swirling, major stars like Sam Kerr and Beth Mead have already confirmed their upcoming moves. Meanwhile, all eyes remain on Golden Boot winner Khadija Shaw, whose future is a major talking point.

Before the focus shifts entirely to transfers, it’s time to reflect on the standout performers of this WSL season. Here is GOAL’s ranking of the top 20 players from the 2025-26 campaign.

20. Lauren James (Chelsea)

This was a challenging season for Chelsea, plagued by injuries that hindered their ability to defend their WSL crown or compete consistently across competitions. Two of their most significant absentees, who were also among their top performers when fit, underline how crucial those losses were.

Defender Veerle Buurman narrowly misses inclusion but impressed in her 11 league starts, nine of which came in 2026. The other key player, Lauren James, reminded everyone of her brilliance whenever she featured. Returning from injury in mid-November, Sonia Bompastor managed her minutes carefully, and by season’s end, James was back to her dazzling best.

Her five goals and four assists from 14 league games were vital as Chelsea secured Champions League qualification and lifted the League Cup. Despite missing much of the campaign, the 24-year-old ranked 14th in the WSL for key passes, demonstrating her immense influence.

19. Fran Kirby (Brighton)

After nearly a decade of success with Chelsea, Fran Kirby brought her experience to Brighton and transformed the team’s attacking play. The Seagulls’ run to the FA Cup final, where they face Manchester City, highlights her impact both on and off the ball.

Though her two goals and three assists from 17 matches don't tell the full story, Kirby excelled creatively—ranking second in key passes and third in shots on target for Brighton. Her leadership and intelligent movement have been pivotal in shaping one of Brighton’s best-ever campaigns.

18. Jess Park (Manchester United)

Jess Park enjoyed a breakout season following her move from Manchester City, thriving in a free role on Manchester United’s right flank. Her six goals and five assists accounted for 29% of United’s total goals, placing her among the league’s top contributors.

Though her form dipped toward the end of the season, Park’s adaptation to a new team and role was exceptional. Her performances signal a bright future for the young England forward.

17. Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal)

After finishing runner-up in the 2025 Ballon d’Or, Mariona Caldentey took on a deeper midfield role for Arsenal this season. While that change reduced her goal tally, it amplified her importance in playmaking. No player completed more accurate final-third passes, and only Lauren Hemp registered more key passes.

Her influence was most visible when absent—like in Arsenal’s struggle against Brighton until her half-time introduction changed the game. The Spanish international’s intelligence and composure remain invaluable to the Gunners.

16. Kiko Seike (Brighton)

Kiko Seike was a driving force behind Brighton’s success, scoring eight goals and providing two assists—directly contributing to 37% of their total. Her versatility, pressing, and positional awareness made her a key figure in Dario Vidosic’s dynamic system.

Vidosic praised her growth: “It’s just confidence. She’s understanding the experience of last year. Now she’s familiar with her teammates and opponents.” Seike’s continued development will be one to watch next season.

15. Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)

With Leah Williamson recovering and Katie Reid sidelined, Lotte Wubben-Moy became Arsenal’s defensive anchor. The 27-year-old started nearly every league game from November onwards, contributing significantly to Arsenal finishing with the best defensive record in the WSL.

Her consistency and leadership were instrumental in stabilising a backline hit by injuries.

14. Olivia Holdt (Tottenham)

Olivia Holdt’s first full season at Tottenham was outstanding. The midfielder scored eight goals and added three assists in 21 appearances, many of them decisive—four were winners in 2-1 victories. Her spectacular strikes also earned Goal of the Month nominations.

Head coach Martin Ho extended her contract in March, noting, “I feel she has even more levels to reach.” Holdt has become a cornerstone of Spurs’ record-breaking campaign.

13. Katie McCabe (Arsenal)

Despite early reports suggesting she might leave Arsenal, Katie McCabe once again proved her worth. The Ireland captain showcased her adaptability, excelling at centre-back and midfield during injury crises. Coach Renee Slegers praised her intelligence and composure when shifting roles mid-game.

Ranking among the WSL’s top five for crosses and top three in key defensive metrics for Arsenal, McCabe was vital in maintaining the league’s best defence. Her leadership and versatility remain unmatched.

12. Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea)

Arriving with a record transfer fee, 20-year-old Alyssa Thompson faced immense pressure. Despite injuries around her, she delivered impressively—scoring seven goals and registering three assists in 20 appearances. Her creativity saw her finish joint-fifth in the league for key passes, an excellent debut season for the young American forward.

11. Kerolin (Manchester City)

Kerolin’s nine starts yielded incredible efficiency—nine goals and five assists in 895 minutes, averaging a goal involvement every 64 minutes. Her hat-trick against Chelsea at the Etihad was a season-defining moment as City surged 11 points clear.

Though not always a starter, her explosiveness and versatility made her one of the league’s most dangerous attackers.

10. Lauren Hemp (Manchester City)

Lauren Hemp’s numbers dipped slightly, but her influence grew immensely. She led the league in key passes and big chances created, while her six assists ranked second overall. Her relentless wing play and defensive effort were crucial to City’s first title in a decade.

9. Kirsty Hanson (Aston Villa)

Kirsty Hanson’s transformation into a central striker paid dividends, as she netted 12 goals in 22 matches—outperforming her expected goals by a huge margin. Her finishing efficiency ranked among the WSL’s best, and she was responsible for 43% of Villa’s goals this season.

Hanson said, “I suggested playing narrower, and since then, I’ve shown what I can do.” Villa’s faith in her positional change truly paid off.

8. Toko Koga (Tottenham)

Teenage defender Toko Koga has been a revelation for Spurs. The 19-year-old Japan international adapted seamlessly, forming a formidable partnership with Clare Hunt. Tottenham’s defensive improvement—from two clean sheets last season to five in their first 12 games—owes much to her composure and consistency.

Spurs have secured her long-term future until 2029, confident she will only improve further.

7. Jade Rose (Manchester City)

In her debut professional season, Canadian defender Jade Rose made an immediate impact. After starting just one of City’s first four games, she became a mainstay and played every minute thereafter. Her presence coincided with all eight of City’s clean sheets, confirming her importance.

Manager Andree Jeglertz lauded her early maturity: “She’s shown what a great player she will be.” Rose has already proven she’s a key signing for both present and future.

6. Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton)

Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was arguably the best in the WSL this season. Her arrival from Paris FC transformed Brighton’s defensive solidity, cutting goals conceded from 41 to 28. She led the league in goals prevented (5.7) and save percentage (74.7%), showcasing elite shot-stopping ability.

Her experience and command of the box made her indispensable to Brighton’s resurgence.

5. Alessia Russo (Arsenal)

Alessia Russo followed her Ballon d’Or podium finish with a career-best season—19 goal involvements for Arsenal. Her creativity soared, doubling her key passes per 90 minutes from 0.8 to 1.5, while maintaining exceptional finishing consistency. Russo was second only to Shaw in total goal contributions, underlining her elite attacking influence.

4. Vivianne Miedema (Manchester City)

Back to full fitness at last, Vivianne Miedema rediscovered her scoring touch, netting 10 goals and supplying five assists in 19 matches. Her partnership with Shaw drove City’s title triumph. Even her brief absence late in the season highlighted how integral she had become to the team’s success.

3. Kerstin Casparij (Manchester City)

Kerstin Casparij elevated her game this season, becoming the only defender with double-digit goal involvements (three goals and seven assists). Her energy and two-way play helped City balance attack and defence perfectly. Casparij ranked among the WSL’s top five for tackles and was instrumental in the league’s second-best defensive record.

2. Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City)

Yui Hasegawa enjoyed a dream year—winning the Asian Cup with Japan and guiding Manchester City to their first WSL title since 2016. As part of a new midfield system under Jeglertz, her playmaking brilliance shone. She finished second in interceptions, second in passes into the final third, and joint-fourth in big chances created. This time, her world-class performances were rewarded with silverware.

1. Khadija Shaw (Manchester City)

Khadija Shaw reaffirmed her status as the world’s best striker. The Jamaican forward claimed her third consecutive Golden Boot, finishing eight goals clear of her closest rival. She led the league in xG and shot volume, dominating every attacking metric. Her lethal partnership with Miedema fired City to long-awaited glory.

City’s decision to let her leave on a free transfer is puzzling, especially as she is expected to join title rivals Chelsea. Regardless of where she plays next, Shaw’s goal-scoring prowess shows no sign of slowing—she remains the most formidable forward in the women’s game.