Olivia Smith Nominated for 2026 PFA Young Player of the Year

Olivia Smith’s rise shows no sign of slowing.

The Arsenal forward has been shortlisted for the 2026 PFA Young Player of the Year award, a year on from winning the same prize during her final season at Liverpool. Back‑to‑back recognition, two different clubs, the same relentless impact.

The six-player shortlist is built purely on votes from fellow professionals, a measure of how sharply Smith’s performances have cut through the league. Her first impression in north London set the tone. On her Arsenal debut at Emirates Stadium, she announced herself with a stunning long-range strike against London City Lionesses, a goal that felt less like an introduction and more like a statement.

The big moments kept coming. In February, with the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup on the line, Smith again found the net in a dramatic 3-2 win over Corinthians, playing her part in delivering the new trophy to Arsenal. These were not consolation goals or padding in routine wins; they were contributions that shaped a season.

By the end of the 2025/26 campaign, the numbers backed up the eye test. Smith finished with 10 goals across 38 matches in all competitions, a steady return in her first year bedding into a new side. On the international stage, she continued to push forward, adding three appearances for Canada in this calendar year as her profile grows beyond club football.

She will now attempt to do what few manage: retain the PFA Young Player of the Year award, this time in Arsenal colours. Standing in her way is a strong field. Chelsea’s Alyssa Thompson and Veerle Buurman are both in contention, a sign of the depth at Stamford Bridge. Freya Godfrey has earned recognition for London City Lionesses, while Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City) and Toko Koga (Tottenham Hotspur) complete a shortlist that stretches across the WSL’s leading contenders.

Arsenal interest on the night will not stop with Smith. Alessia Russo is also among the nominees, shortlisted for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award after another influential season leading the line.

The winners will be revealed on August 25 at the awards ceremony. For Smith, it is another date circled on a calendar already crowded with milestones – and a chance to confirm that last season’s breakthrough was only the beginning.