“Tough times don’t last, tough people do” | An insight into...Bunny Shaw
Khadija “Bunny” Shaw added another two goals to her season’s tally as she continues her fine goalscoring form, and with just under half the season played, she looks to be the frontrunner for this season’s Golden Boot (the league’s top scorer).
Ahead of the 2025/26 season, WSL Football caught up with Manchester City’s number nine to learn what life was like growing up in Jamaica, her footballing idol, and the lasting legacy she hopes to leave when it’s time to hang up her boots.
In this feature
• The story behind the 9
• The role of Luis Suarez
• Jamaica’s football influence
• Shaw’s impact on and off the pitch
“TheadviceI’dgivetomyyoungerselfisthatdifficulttimesareahead,butyou’regoingtogetthroughit.Toughtimesdon’tlast…toughpeopledo.”Khadija “Bunny” Shaw
References from fellow peers such as Fran Bentley (Bristol City), Grace Fisk (Liverpool) and Sophie Whitehouse (Charlton Athletic) highlight what makes Shaw one of the league’s most prolific strikers, and so far this season, she’s continuing to deliver at the highest level, maintaining a record of almost one goal every game.
Speaking on her ambitions as a player, Shaw says: “I want to be the best I can be, and when I look back, I want to be able to say confidently that I gave everything, and there was nothing left for me to give.
“It’s good to know that all the work is recognised by my peers.”
On choosing the number nine, she explains: “Having this number, I think it represents me a little bit more.
“Especially as when I was growing up, I used to watch a lot of Luis Suarez, particularly when I transitioned to a number nine.
“Growing up in Jamaica, there was a lot of football kicking around, and I was always very curious to know more about the game.
“From there I got involved a bit more, and have loved it ever since and that’s been my motto ever since.
“Every game I feature in, I just try to enjoy every moment, help the team, and I think my performances speak for themselves.”
With those numbers, there’s no doubt why Manchester City fans enjoy watching their number nine week in, week out. But for some supporters, Bunny represents much more, inspiring both on and off the pitch. As one fan puts it:
“TheideaofseeingladieslikeBunnyShaw,andalltheseplayerstakingthewomen’sgametoanotherlevel,isnotonlyimportantingettingthemheardbutalsoininfluencingfuturegenerations—showingthemthatanythingispossible.”Manchester City Supporter
On creating her own legacy for the future, Shaw says: “The trophies are going to be on the shelves, but the impact I was able to make as a player will mean so much more to me than the trophies.”