Arsenal star Mariona Caldentey beats out competition from England striker Alessia Russo to be named Women's PFA Players' Player of the Year

The Spaniard had an outstanding first season in the English top-flight, scoring nine goals and providing five assists in 20 appearances as the Gunners finished second in the table. It was enough to secure her the WSL Player of the Year award back in May and now she has added the PFA equivalent to that, having been voted the best performer in the division by her fellow pros.

Russo, who earned a share of the Golden Boot last term, was one of the five other nominees pipped to the accolade by Caldentey. They included Erin Cuthbert, who starred in Chelsea's undefeated title-winning season; Mary Fowler, the WSL's assist-leader; Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who shared the Golden Glove with Hannah Hampton; and Yui Hasegawa, Fowler's Manchester City team-mate who was superb in midfield.

Caldentey's excellent form continued in Europe, too, as she shone to help Arsenal win their first Champions League title since 2007. She scored seven goals and provided two assists in 11 appearances on the continent, as the Gunners defeated her old club, Barcelona, in the final. All of that combined with her key role in Spain's run to the Euro 2025 final this past summer is sure to give the 29-year-old a chance at Ballon d'Or glory later this year, too.

Caldentey will hope to have another strong impact in her second season at Arsenal, as the club targets a first WSL title since 2019. The Gunners kick-off their new campaign on September 6, facing newly-promoted London City Lionesses at the Emirates.