Kelly Cates named Media Figure of the Year at the 2026 Women’s Football Awards

Kelly Cates took home Media Figure of the Year (Picture: WFA)

Broadcasting queen Kelly Cates stole the spotlight as she was crowned Media Figure of the Year at the 2026 SHEIN Women’s Football Awards.

A familiar face to millions, the Match of the Day star has become one of the most trusted voices in football – and a driving force behind bringing the women’s game firmly into the mainstream.

From fronting blockbuster fixtures to leading the biggest debates in the studio, she’s made sure the women’s game gets the same spotlight, respect and serious analysis as the men’s.

This year’s award, voted for by the public, proves just how much impact she’s had in changing the conversation and pushing the game to new heights.

It was a glittering night all round, with stars including Gok Wan, Denise van Outen and Carol Vorderman turning heads on the night.

They were joined by some of the biggest names in women’s football, including Millie Bright, Michelle Agyemang, Bunny Shaw and Alex Greenwood.

Hosted by fellow broadcasting heavyweights Gabby Logan and Jamie Carragher, the glamorous ceremony took place at the luxurious Chancery Rosewood London in the heart of Mayfair.

Jamie Carragher and Gabby Logan hosted the event for a second successive year (Picture: Getty)

Collecting her award, Cates described the win as ‘a real honour,’ with Carragher also keen to pay tribute to his fellow Sky Sports colleague.

‘Kelly’s the gold standard – she’s got that rare mix of authority, warmth and sharpness that makes everyone else raise their game,’ he said.

‘Whether it’s the biggest matches or the toughest conversations, she just gets it right every time. A really deserving winner.”

Meanwhile, Logan added: ‘The Women’s Football Awards celebrates the best in the game. There were some incredible winners again this evening. The event just keeps getting bigger and better every year.’

Charlotte Anthony, from headline sponsor Shein, said: ‘It was another amazing Women’s Football Awards and it was fantastic to celebrate with so many deserving winners.’

Full list of Women's Football Awards 2026 winners

Player of the Year: Bunny Shaw (Manchester City) Young Player of the Year: Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United) Rising Star: Michelle Agyemang (Arsenal) Special Tribute: Matt Beard (posthumous) Special Recognition: Charlotte O’Neill Special Recognition: Maria Karlsson de Cecco Special Recognition: Orreco Special Recognition: Manchester Corinthians Media Figure of the Year: Kelly Cates Inspirational Role Model: Bethany England Brand of the Year: Adobe Legal Team of the Year: RPC Global Impact Award: Adidas Best Marketing Campaign: Chelsea Football Club Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility: Premier League Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award: Liverpool Football Club Community Impact Award: Goals4Girls Football Business of the Year: Foudys Football Agency of the Year: Tongue Tied Management Best Grassroots Initiative: Cash4Clubs Football Business Trailblazer : Kay Cossington MBE Best Breakthrough Business: AFTA Studios Best Social Media: The Football Association – Lionesses Women’s Football Champion: Debbie Hewitt MBE Best Fan Engagement: London City Lionesses Club of the Year: Manchester City Game Changer: Nikita Parris Off The Pitch Award: Rachel Pavlou Unsung Hero: Eartha Pond Lifetime Achievement: Mo Marley

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