2025 NWSL End-of-Season Award Ballot Breakdown
The 2025 NWSL Awards season marks a new chapter for the league with its inaugural end-of-year awards show. As the NWSL Championship week approaches, media, coaches and executives cast ballots across key categories—from MVP to Best XI. Here’s an in-depth look at the finalists and the ballot choices.
Most Valuable Player (MVP)
- Delphine Cascarino (San Diego Wave FC)
- Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)
- Esther González (Gotham FC)
- Manaka Matsukubo (North Carolina Courage)
- Bia Zaneratto (Kansas City Current)
Selected MVP: Temwa Chawinga
Temwa Chawinga was the clear choice for NWSL MVP in 2025. Leading the league in goals for a second consecutive golden boot, Chawinga combined lethal finishing with relentless off-ball movement. Her defensive contributions—marked by aggressive counterpressing and precise ball tracking—fueled Kansas City’s attack all season.
Defender of the Year
- Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC)
- Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit)
- Avery Patterson (Houston Dash)
- Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current)
- Kayla Sharples (Kansas City Current)
Selected Defender of the Year: Kayla Sharples
Kayla Sharples anchored Kansas City’s backline with consistency and leadership. Despite rotating center-back partners due to injury, she maintained defensive solidity and recovered key balls under pressure. Sharples’ tactical awareness and composure earned her the nod for NWSL Defender of the Year.
Goalkeeper of the Year
- Lorena (Kansas City Current)
- Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC)
- Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC)
Selected Goalkeeper of the Year: Lorena
Brazilian international Lorena adapted instantly to the NWSL, setting the tone with a league-leading 14 clean sheets. Her remarkable seven-game shutout streak and commanding presence in goal were instrumental in Kansas City’s defensive record, earning her Goalkeeper of the Year honors.
Midfielder of the Year
- Kenza Dali (San Diego Wave FC)
- Debinha (Kansas City Current)
- Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current)
- Manaka Matsukubo (North Carolina Courage)
- Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC)
Selected Midfielder of the Year: Claire Hutton
In her sophomore season, Claire Hutton emerged as a midfield force. The 19-year-old showcased veteran composure, expertly combining defensive interceptions with forward distribution. Hutton’s dynamic playmaking and fearless tackling secured her the NWSL Midfielder of the Year award.
Rookie of the Year
- Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Reign FC)
- Lilly Reale (Gotham FC)
- Riley Tiernan (Angel City FC)
Selected Rookie of the Year: Lilly Reale
Lilly Reale’s impact at fullback was immediate and consistent. She started 22 regular-season games, blending rapid recoveries with incisive attacking runs. Reale’s ability to influence both ends of the pitch made her the leading candidate for Rookie of the Year.
Coach of the Year
- Vlatko Andonovski (Kansas City Current)
- Adrian Gonzalez (Washington Spirit)
- Beverly Yanez (Racing Louisville FC)
Selected Coach of the Year: Vlatko Andonovski
Under Vlatko Andonovski, the Kansas City Current set NWSL records for shutout minutes, fewest goals conceded and longest winning streak, clinching the Shield nearly two months before playoffs. Despite an early postseason exit, his regular-season dominance and record-setting achievements earned him Coach of the Year.
Best XI
Voting for the Best XI allows only 11 selections, though the league recognizes both a first and second team. Here are the picks for the NWSL Best XI and a shortlist of players deserving second-team consideration.
First Team Selections
- Goalkeeper: Lorena
- Defenders: Kayla Sharples, Emily Sonnett, Avery Patterson, Izzy Rodriguez
- Midfielders: Sam Coffey, Taylor Flint, Claire Hutton, Kenza Dali
- Forwards: Temwa Chawinga, Delphine Cascarino
Honorable Mentions (Second Best XI Candidates)
- Claudia Dickey
- Sophia Huerta
- Jordyn Bugg
- Tara McKeown
- Lilly Reale
- Rebeca Bernal
- Croix Bethune
- Olivia Moultrie
- Emma Sears
- Manaka Matsukubo
- Esther González
Looking Ahead
As the NWSL Championship looms, these award selections highlight standout performances across the league. Whether recognizing established stars or celebrating breakthrough talents, the 2025 NWSL Awards reflect the growing depth and competitiveness of women’s professional soccer in the United States.