This is why the Women’s Football Awards mean so much

Lianne Sanderson is delighted the Women’s Football Awards have become such an impactful event (Picture: Getty)

There are moments in football that feel long overdue. Moments that make you pause and think: why did this take so long?

The Women’s Football Awards is one of those moments – and as we approach the 2026 ceremony, it feels bigger, bolder and more important than ever.

The event was established in 2023 and it was the first time any awards event took place to celebrate achievements in women’s football. Think about that. Generations of players, pioneers and game-changers and only recently did we finally create a stage dedicated entirely to them.

I know that other awards events have taken place for the men’s game for decades, and so this was so welcome. Not just welcome – necessary.