The NWSL is hosting its inaugural end-of-year awards ceremony during Championship week. The event highlights the league's best players and coaches from the 2025 season.
The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is introducing its first formal end-of-year awards show, set to take place on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, in San Jose. This event will officially start Championship week and celebrate the outstanding achievements of players and coaches throughout the season.
The finalists for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award include Delphine Cascarino from San Diego Wave FC, Temwa Chawinga from Kansas City Current, Esther González from Gotham FC, Manaka Matsukubo from North Carolina Courage, and Bia Zaneratto from Kansas City Current. Temwa Chawinga is noted for leading the league in goals and demonstrating strong forward play.
Defender of the Year nominees are Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC), Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current), and Kayla Sharples (Kansas City Current). Kayla Sharples has been recognized for her solid defensive performance, especially adapting well amid team injuries.
The Goalkeeper of the Year finalists are Lorena (Kansas City Current), Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC), and Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC). Lorena made a strong impression in her first season, leading the league with 14 clean sheets.
Midfielder of the Year candidates include Kenza Dali (San Diego Wave), Debinha (Kansas City Current), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current), Manaka Matsukubo (North Carolina Courage), and Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC). Claire Hutton has shown notable improvement in her second season.
The Rookie of the Year finalists are Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Reign FC), Lilly Reale (Gotham FC), and Riley Tiernan (Angel City FC). Lilly Reale has been a consistent and impactful player throughout the season.
Nominees for Coach of the Year are Vlatko Andonovski (Kansas City Current), Adrian Gonzalez (Washington Spirit), and Beverly Yanez (Racing Louisville). Vlatko Andonovski led his team to a record-setting regular season despite a challenging playoff exit.
The Best XI team includes Lorena, Kayla Sharples, Emily Sonnett, Avery Patterson, Izzy Rodriguez, Sam Coffey, Taylor Flint, Claire Hutton, Kenza Dali, Temwa Chawinga, and Delphine Cascarino. While only eleven players are selected, many others have delivered strong performances this season.
