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Khadija Shaw was named the FWA Player of the Season on Friday
It took Khadija Shaw just 12 minutes to remind everyone why Manchester City must not part ways with her this summer.
Her two goals against Chelsea—a stoppage-time equalizer in regulation, followed by a 103rd-minute winner—sealed City’s place in the Women’s FA Cup final.
Trailing 2-0 with only four minutes left at Stamford Bridge, Shaw had squandered earlier opportunities, but when her team needed her most, she delivered.
The Jamaica international has been at the center of speculation this week after contract renewal talks with City broke down. As things stand, she is expected to leave this summer unless a surprise agreement is reached—and Sunday’s opponents Chelsea are hovering to secure her signature.
It was only fitting, then, that Shaw stole the show here and delivered a perfect display of her world-class abilities.
Chelsea are favorites to sign Shaw as Man City exit nears.
Hours after City were crowned WSL champions, ending Chelsea’s six-year dominance, news emerged of Shaw’s imminent departure and a breakdown in negotiations.
All eyes were on her as she jogged onto the Stamford Bridge pitch to warm up near the City supporters, who she enthusiastically applauded.
Her performance did not start smoothly, as Chelsea’s strong opening earned them a deserved lead, and Shaw missed several chances that came her way.
Just before halftime, there was concern over a potential injury after she received treatment for several minutes following a heavy collision.
As she trudged toward the sideline, Chelsea fans taunted, “Bunny Shaw, we’ll see you next season.”
But those same fans fell silent when Shaw’s strike flew past goalkeeper Hannah Hampton in the 92nd minute, moments after teammate Mary Fowler had made it 2-1. Shaw sprinted to the corner, sliding on her knees and roaring with celebration.
City supporters showered her with adoration, and her teammates urged her to soak in the applause at the end of extra time after her header secured a 3-2 victory.
It was a perfect snapshot of what Shaw is capable of—even when not at her best, she still scored twice and rose to the occasion in the most critical moments.
“That’s what we need a forward to do: create chances, maybe miss one, but move on and keep going,” manager Andrée Jeglertz said. “Bunny has scored so many goals for this club over so many years, and this season as well. She has proven she’s a great player—and a great teammate.”
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While City fans were understandably overjoyed with the victory—and Shaw’s crucial role in it—their delight was tinged with worry about her future.
Her performance was a showcase of what Chelsea could gain if they win the battle to sign her—and what City stand to lose if they let her go.
Shaw is on track to secure a third consecutive WSL Golden Boot, having netted 19 goals in 21 appearances, and she will be City’s top scorer for the fourth straight year.
At 29, she is just one goal away from becoming the first player in WSL history to score 20 or more goals in three different seasons.
On Friday, she was crowned the Football Writers’ Association Women’s Footballer of the Year.
Would it be a catastrophe if she left City, given that they have spent a decade building a squad capable of winning the WSL and now hope to dominate?
“I wouldn’t use the word catastrophic—I’ve always said she’s an amazing player for us,” Jeglertz said. “She has been very good this year, scored a lot of goals, and made an impact. Where we are in July, I don’t know. That’s not up to me. I’m pretty sure that no matter what players I have in my squad in July…”
