The 2026/27 BWSL season is nearly upon us, and as is always the case, there’s lots to talk about at this time of year, but one of the biggest talking points ahead of the new campaign is whether Khadija Shaw will make history by becoming the first ever Barclays Women’s Super League player to pick up the golden boot in three consecutive seasons.
Unstoppable during the 2025/26 campaign
When it comes to the women’s game, is there a better scorer of goals on the planet than Khadija Shaw? Almost certainly not.
The Man City forward has topped the Barclays Women’s Super League scoring charts in each of the last three seasons, though she shared the honour in one of those campaigns, so technically, she hasn’t quite won three on the spin in her own right. If she can lead the way this time around, she’ll become the first player in BWSL history to be the sole winner of the top-scorer award in three consecutive seasons.
Last season, there was no stopping Shaw, who scored an impressive 21 goals, which left her eight goals clear of her nearest pursuer in what was a one-horse race for the Golden Boot. Not only did the 29-year-old bag 21 goals, but she did so in just 22 games, scoring at a rate of 0.97 goals per 90 minutes.
At 29, Shaw is in her prime, and there is nothing to indicate that she’ll slow down this season. If I was a bettor, I’d be more tempted to plump for her to outdo her 2025/26 tally as opposed to opting for her to rein it in.
Who can spoil Shaw’s party?
Listen, Shaw is the clear and obvious favourite as far as the Golden Boot race is concerned, but let’s not pretend that the Jamaican is the only BWSL forward capable of running riot in front of goal, and should she leave the door open, there will be a handful of players ready to walk through.
Alessia Russo
Heading the list of dangers is Alessia Russo, who shared the Golden Boot with Khadija Shaw at the end of the 2024/25 season, scoring 12 goals. The Arsenal forward enjoyed herself again during the 2025/26 campaign, but she was left behind by her Man City counterpart, who stepped on the accelerator.
We know what to expect from Russo, she’s a proven performer at the highest level, and she’s a big-game player, a player who will score goals, so much so that she absolutely rates as one of the most likely players to challenge Shaw.
Kadidiatou Diani
One of the new arrivals ahead of the 2026/27 season, Kadidiatou Diani is the type of player to hit the ground running in the Barclays Women’s Super League, and as an experienced scorer of goals, the French international could easily lay down a challenge for the accolade of top scorer.
A hugely decorated footballer, Diani joins forces with London City Lionesses following a successful spell with French giants OL Lyonnes, during which she was named in the Première Ligue team of the year four times. She was also crowned as the best player in the French top division following the 2020/21 season, picking up the Silver Boot at the Women’s World Cup back in 2023. Oh, and she was the Champions League top scorer during the 2023/24 season.
Averaging 0.70 goals per 90 minutes during her time at OL Lyonnes, Diani is a serious scorer, make no mistake about that.
Emma Stina Blackstenius
One of the real tried-and-tested forwards currently operating in the Barclays Women’s Super League is Emma Stina Blackstenius, who netted ten goals last season.
Interestingly, despite not getting her hands on the Golden Boot, Blackstenius was the league’s best performer in terms of goals per 90 minutes during the last campaign, averaging 1.14.
In terms of strikers, Blackstenius is right up there with the best that the women’s game has to offer, and with the Gunners looking all set for another title push, if she can stay fit and healthy, the Swede is clearly a serious candidate.
Lexi Lloyd-Smith
It’s only right to mention Lexi Lloyd-Smith, who top scored in BWSL 2 last season, scoring 11 goals for Bristol City. Her 2025/26 efforts for the Robins earned the 23-year-old a summer move to Crystal Palace, which means she’ll be battling out with the big dogs this time around.
Physical, two footed and dangerous from range, Lloyd-Smith, who is someone capable of scoring goals as a runner in behind and as a target for crosses, definitely has the tools required to be a threat at BWSL level, while she’s certainly young enough to keep improving. If her Palace colleagues can provide enough service, she could emerge as a contender in the top-scorer race.
Leading top scorer contenders in BWSL 2
We couldn’t talk about the Golden Boot race, without also running the rule over those players going for the same accolade in BWSL 2.
With the previous winner now plying her trade in the top tier, the second-division Golden Boot award will definitely be changing hands come the end of the season. Below are those who look to have the best chance of scooping the prize.
Rio Hardy
Rio Hardy, who plays for one of the likely promotion chasers in Bristol City, is arguably the player to keep an eye on most as far as the BWSL 2 Golden Boot race is concerned.
Lexi Lloyd-Smith got plenty of credit last season, and rightly so, but Hardy was just as effective, and if the Robins turn out to be one of the stronger teams again, then the 30-year-old, who not long ago scored 43 goals in two SWPL 1 seasons for Rangers, will likely score plenty.
During her first season for the club, Hardy notched a pleasing ten goals, averaging just under a goal every other game. She’s a genuine penalty-box striker and a proven scorer, so don’t be surprised if she’s heavily involved.
Shania Hayles
Newcastle’s Shania Hayles didn’t exactly set the second tier on fire last season, delivering what was a muted string of performances by her own standards, but she’s not somebody to forget about.
The Jamaican has been about a bit, and she knows exactly what it takes to score goals at this level, bagging no fewer than 15 during the 2024/25 campaign, finishing the season as the second best markswoman in the division. If she can rediscover that form, Hayles won’t be far away this time around.
Oona Sevenius
The Magpies have another attacker who could do some real damage this season, and that forward is Oona Sevenius, who at just 22 years of age, is full of potential.
Clearly a talent, the Finland international impressed during the 2025 European Championships, while she didn’t exactly fail to deliver during her first season on Tyneside, producing seven goals and assists in 20 appearances. With a full campaign in English football under her belt, the up-and-coming forward may just have a big say in the battle for top scorer.
