August 22, 2025 – In a historical moment for women’s football, Arsenal Spanish international Mariona Caldentey has been named the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Women’s Player of the Year for 2024/25 season. Caldentey can now add this award (voted for professional footballers) to an impressive debut season as a Gunner. The focal point of the Gunners attack quickly, while being integral to their successful Champions League run following a positive first season.
Immediate Impact and European Glory
In the summer, Mariona Caldentey, 29, joined Arsenal after a trophy-filled ten years with Barcelona. Upon signing, she quickly became a key member of the team. She has an impressive tally of 19 goals in all competitions for Arsenal. This includes 9 in the Women’s Super League (WSL) and 8 in the Champions League. Moreover, this saw her beat her former club Barcelona in the final in Lisbon. This earned Arsenal their first European trophy in 18 years and Caldentey her third Champions League medal in a row.
Versatility and Creative Mastery
Upon receiving the award at the ceremony in Manchester’s Opera House, a humbled Caldentey remarked, “Everyone at the club has made it so easy for me… it just feels like home. If you ask me my position I don’t know what to answer. But I just enjoy it on the pitch and I just want to help my teammates”.
Seeing Off Stiff Competition
Caldentey triumphed over strong competition from a strong shortlist. The list included teammate Alessia Russo, Chelsea’s Erin Cuthbert, a pair of Manchester City players in Mary Fowler and Yui Hasegawa, and this season’s Manchester United goalkeeper, Phallon Tullis-Joyce. This win makes her the third Arsenal player to take this award. This follows club legends Kim Little (2013), and Vivianne Miedema (2019).
Mariona Caldentey en su primera temporada como jugadora del Arsenal Women:
🏆 Champions League Femenina.
🌟 Mejor Jugadora del fútbol inglés por la WSL.
🌟 Mejor Jugadora del fútbol inglés por la PFA.
CRACK MUNDIAL 🇪🇸🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/bRlTcRRTcd
— Mundo Pelota (@mundopelotanet) August 19, 2025
Final Thoughts
It was a great night for Arsenal. New signing Olivia Smith got the award of the PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year award after her performances with Liverpool last season. This award caps off an unbelievable individual season for Caldentey, as she was also awarded WSL Player of the Season, and Arsenal Player of the Season. She will certainly want to keep her attention on leading Arsenal on. Furthermore, she is starting to put herself into the top class of players in the world.