This Weekends Watchlist in the final weekend

WSL Football
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Who will take the curtain down in style?

As the curtain falls on another unforgettable Barclays Women’s Super League season, the final weekend arrives with titles decided, European places secured, and emotions running high across the league. Manchester City have officially been crowned champions after a remarkable campaign, while Chelsea and Arsenal will join them in next season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League through the qualifying rounds. At the other end of the table, it’s heartbreak for Leicester City whose relegation marks a difficult end to the season.

With one final round of fixtures left to play, this weekend’s watchlist shines a spotlight on five players who have defined their club’s campaigns. From game-changing forwards to defensive leaders and standout goalkeepers, these players have consistently delivered when their teams needed them most. Whether it’s goals, creativity, leadership, or pure defensive resilience, each of these stars heads into the final weekend as their side’s player of the season, and all eyes will be on them one last time before the curtain closes on the 2025/26 BWSL campaign.

Jessica Park The Engine Behind United’s Rise (Manchester United)

Few players have embodied consistency and creativity this season quite like Jessica Park. Arguably Manchester United W.F.C.’s standout performer, Park has combined attacking quality with relentless work rate, delivering 6 goals and 5 assists while constantly driving United forward. Her 27 chances created and 83.4% pass success underline her composure and vision in possession, while 38 shots and 17 on target show a player never afraid to take responsibility in key moments.

What makes her influence even more impressive is the defensive side of her game, 94 recoveries, 28 tackles, and 30 possessions won in the final third highlight a midfielder willing to press, battle, and regain control for her side. Add in 14 clearances and a 51% duel success rate, and Park has become one of the league’s most complete midfielders this campaign.

Alessia Russo Arsenal’s Ruthless Finisher (Arsenal)

When Arsenal need a decisive moment, Alessia Russo continues to deliver. With 11 goals and 6 assists, she has established herself as one of the most dangerous forwards in the league, combining elite movement with clinical finishing. Her 75 shots and 12.18 xG on target demonstrate just how consistently she gets into threatening positions, while 30 chances created prove she’s far more than just a goalscorer. Russo’s all-round game has reached another level this season, from her 52.2% dribble success rate to her intelligent link-up play and accurate long passing.

She also contributes physically, winning nearly half of her duels and over 54% of aerial battles, giving Arsenal a focal point capable of influencing every phase of attack. Tireless pressing, defensive recoveries, and sharp movement make Russo one of the league’s most complete number nines.

Jana Fernández The Lionesses’ Defensive Wall (London City Lionesses)

At right back for London City Lionesses, Jana Fernández has quietly put together an outstanding season built on defensive reliability and composure under pressure. Hernumbers reflect a defender who thrives in every battle, winning 57.5% of duels while registering 67 tackles, 29 interceptions, and 44 clearances. Fernández combines defensive aggression with intelligence, shown through her 99 recoveries and ability to regain possession consistently across the pitch.

Going forward, she has still found ways to contribute creatively with 18 chances created and a goal of her own, while her 75.7% passing accuracy highlights her calmness in possession. Add in 11 blocked shots and 3 clean sheets, and Fernández has become one of the most dependable defenders in the league this season.

Aoba Fujino City’s Electric Wide Threat (Manchester City)

Dynamic, fearless, and technically outstanding, Aoba Fujino has quickly become one of Manchester City most exciting attacking weapons. Operating from the right wing, Fujino has delivered 5 goals and 2 assists while constantly stretching defences with her pace and direct running. Her 66.7% dribble success rate reflects her ability to beat players consistently in one-on-one situations, while an impressive 85% passing accuracy shows the maturity and precision in her overall play.

Beyond the attacking numbers, Fujino’s work ethic stands out just as much, contributing 30 tackles, 85 recoveries, and 21 possessions won high up the pitch. Whether creating chances, pressing aggressively, or driving at defenders, she has brought relentless energy and unpredictability to City’s attack all season.

Chiamaka Nnadozie Brighton’s Last Line of Excellence (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Chiamaka Nnadozie has been one of the defining reasons behind Brighton & Hove Albion’s strong second half of the season. Commanding in goal and incredibly composed under pressure, the Nigerian international has delivered 6 clean sheets alongside an outstanding 81% save percentage.

Her authority in the box is reflected in an 80% high- claim success rate, while her sweeper-keeper actions underline how important she is to Brighton’s build-up and defensive structure. More than just a shot-stopper, Nnadozie has become a leader from the back, consistently rescuing her side in difficult moments and providing stability throughout the campaign. Her performances have firmly established her as one of the standout goalkeepers in the league this season.

Her 72.5% pass accuracy and 51% duel success underline her reliability in key moments, while her energy and timing in transitions could prove decisive with the title on the line heading into the final day.

Word credit: Tia Thorne