Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey has been honored as the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) women's player of the year, while her teammate Olivia Smith has claimed the young player of the year accolade. The awards recognize their outstanding performances during the 2024-25 season, with Caldentey making a significant impact in her first year with Arsenal after transferring from Barcelona.

Caldentey, 29, scored 19 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions, including nine goals and five assists in the Women’s Super League (WSL). After receiving her first PFA award, she expressed her gratitude, stating, "There is nothing better than when your opponents recognize your job." Despite the individual accolade, Caldentey emphasized her desire to win trophies for the club, highlighting the importance of team success.

Olivia Smith, just 21 years old, became the first foreign player to win the PFA young player of the year award. She expressed her excitement about the achievement, noting its significance for aspiring players who look up to her. Smith joined Arsenal in July for a record fee and had a stellar season, scoring nine goals in 20 WSL matches before her move.

In addition to the player awards, Emma Hayes, the USA women’s national team manager, received the PFA merit award for her exceptional contributions to women's football, particularly during her successful tenure at Chelsea. Hayes, known for her influential role in building a dominant Chelsea side, has continued her success with the national team, leading them to victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The PFA awards also celebrated the WSL team of the year, which featured multiple Arsenal players, underscoring their strong performance throughout the season. Caldentey’s recognition reflects her significant contributions to Arsenal's success, as the team continues to make strides in women’s football.