Reggae Girlz striker Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw has been awarded the prestigious Cyrille Regis Award at the Football Black List Awards, which recognizes excellence within British football and the Black community.
The award, named in honour of the trailblazing former West Bromwich Albion, Coventry City, and England forward Cyrille Regis, is presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to both football and the Black community over the past year.
Shaw, the latest recipient of the Cyrille Regis Award, was celebrated for her exceptional achievements in the sport and for her unwavering commitment to making a difference both on and off the pitch. The event, which took place at the iconic Emirates Stadium on Thursday evening, brought together key figures from the world of sports and entertainment to acknowledge the remarkable impact of Black individuals in the sport.
An Extraordinary Year of Achievements
2024 was a landmark year for Shaw, and her performance on the field captured the attention of the footballing world. The Jamaican forward was named PFA, FWA, and WSL Player of the Year and also made history by becoming the first Manchester City player to win the coveted Golden Boot award in the Women’s Super League (WSL), further cementing her status as one of the top players in the country.
In addition to these individual honors, Shaw’s incredible consistency saw her named in the WSL Team of the Year for a second consecutive season. But her crowning achievement came in March 2024 when she became Manchester City’s all-time top scorer, securing the milestone with a goal in a 3-1 victory over Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium.
A Powerful Advocate for Change
While Shaw’s on-field accomplishments have rightfully earned her widespread recognition, it was her actions off the pitch that further solidified her legacy as a role model and an advocate for change. In January 2025, Shaw was the target of vile racist abuse online. In response, she chose to channel her pain and frustration into a powerful message of solidarity and defiance.
Upon returning to action the following week against Leicester City in the FA Cup, Shaw celebrated scoring City’s third goal in a 3-1 win with a symbolic Black Power salute at the Joie Stadium. Her action sent a powerful message that received widespread plaudits from the football world and beyond.
The Cyrille Regis Award, chosen by the Regis family, is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to football and the Black community.
