{"id":9584,"date":"2026-05-09T03:09:06","date_gmt":"2026-05-09T03:09:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news678.top\/?p=9584"},"modified":"2026-05-09T03:09:06","modified_gmt":"2026-05-09T03:09:06","slug":"kelly-cates-named-media-figure-of-the-year-at-the-2026-womens-football-awards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news678.top\/?p=9584","title":{"rendered":"Kelly Cates named Media Figure of the Year at the 2026 Women\u2019s Football Awards"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Kelly Cates took home Media Figure of the Year (Picture: WFA)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Broadcasting queen Kelly Cates stole the spotlight as she was crowned Media Figure of the Year at the 2026 SHEIN Women\u2019s Football Awards.<\/p>\n

A familiar face to millions, the Match of the Day star has become one of the most trusted voices in football \u2013 and a driving force behind bringing the women\u2019s game firmly into the mainstream.\u00a0<\/p>\n

From fronting blockbuster fixtures to leading the biggest debates in the studio, she\u2019s made sure the women\u2019s game gets the same spotlight, respect and serious analysis as the men\u2019s.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s award, voted for by the public, proves just how much impact she\u2019s had in changing the conversation and pushing the game to new heights.<\/p>\n

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

They were joined by some of the biggest names in women\u2019s football, including Millie Bright, Michelle Agyemang, Bunny Shaw and Alex Greenwood.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Jamie Carragher and Gabby Logan hosted the event for a second successive year (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Collecting her award, Cates described the win as \u2018a real honour,\u2019 with Carragher also keen to pay tribute to his fellow Sky Sports colleague.<\/p>\n

\u2018Kelly\u2019s the gold standard \u2013 she\u2019s got that rare mix of authority, warmth and sharpness that makes everyone else raise their game,\u2019 he said. <\/p>\n

\u2018Whether it\u2019s the biggest matches or the toughest conversations, she just gets it right every time. A really deserving winner.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Logan added: \u2018The Women\u2019s 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.\u2019<\/p>\n

Charlotte Anthony, from headline sponsor Shein, said: \u2018It was another amazing Women\u2019s Football Awards and it was fantastic to celebrate with so many deserving winners.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\tFull list of Women’s Football Awards 2026 winners\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
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Player of the Year: <\/strong>Bunny Shaw (Manchester City)
Young Player of the Year:<\/strong> Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United)
Rising Star: <\/strong>Michelle Agyemang (Arsenal)
Special Tribute:<\/strong> Matt Beard (posthumous)
Special Recognition: <\/strong>Charlotte O\u2019Neill
Special Recognition:<\/strong> Maria Karlsson de Cecco
Special Recognition: <\/strong>Orreco
Special Recognition:<\/strong> Manchester Corinthians
Media Figure of the Year:<\/strong> Kelly Cates
Inspirational Role Model: <\/strong>Bethany England
Brand of the Year:<\/strong> Adobe
Legal Team of the Year:<\/strong> RPC
Global Impact Award: <\/strong>Adidas
Best Marketing Campaign:<\/strong> Chelsea Football Club
Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility:<\/strong> Premier League
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award:<\/strong> Liverpool Football Club
Community Impact Award: <\/strong>Goals4Girls
Football Business of the Year:<\/strong> Foudys
Football Agency of the Year:<\/strong> Tongue Tied Management
Best Grassroots Initiative: <\/strong>Cash4Clubs
Football Business Trailblazer<\/strong>: Kay Cossington MBE
Best Breakthrough Business: <\/strong>AFTA Studios
Best Social Media:<\/strong> The Football Association \u2013 Lionesses
Women\u2019s Football Champion: <\/strong>Debbie Hewitt MBE
Best Fan Engagement: <\/strong>London City Lionesses
Club of the Year:<\/strong> Manchester City
Game Changer: <\/strong>Nikita Parris
Off The Pitch Award:<\/strong> Rachel Pavlou
Unsung Hero: <\/strong>Eartha Pond
Lifetime Achievement:<\/strong> Mo Marley<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

For more stories like this,\u00a0check our sport page<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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