Khadija Shaw is the hottest player in women’s football. Her Women’s FA Cup display proved it
With her back to goal, Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw chests the ball, swivels and arrows it into the bottom corner beyond the reach of Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton. The Manchester City taliswoman then twirls her arm before knee sliding in front of the travelling fans. “I trust myself and I know what I can do in and around the box,” she told TNT Sports after City’s 3-2 (aet) FA Cup semi-final triumph.
It is an unshakeable self-belief befitting of a world-class athlete. Not even, in her words via TNT, “a mad week” with “lots of ups and downs” can sway her confidence. On Wednesday, City were crowned Women’s Super League (WSL) champions.
The next day, The Guardian reported the 29-year-old was set to leave her club of four years. In April, The Athletic reported Chelsea have made Shaw a contract offer worth at least £1million ($1. 36m) per year and, according to sources briefed on the matter who wished to remain anonymous to protect relations, negotiations with City have broken down over contract length.
On Sunday, Shaw showed why she is the most valued player in the women’s football market and the type Chelsea, who have significantly underperformed in front of goal, have needed. On the halfway line at Stamford Bridge, Shaw lined up alongside opposite number Sam Kerr, whom she could replace in the summer. The Athletic reported in March the Australia international is expected to leave.
But it was Kerr who was the livelier of the two at first, having two goals disallowed either side of doubling Chelsea’s lead in the 59th minute when she capitalised on Khiara Keating’s fumble. Shaw had chances, too, but it was not quite clicking as she skied shots over the bar. A knock to her neck could have signalled it was not going to be her day.
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