How do you sum up the most successful season in Manchester City Women's history?
Well, there's probably no set of people better qualified to answer that question than the players who made it happen...
Like all the very best stories – there were some bumps along the road.
City began our campaign away to six-time reigning WSL champions Chelsea and, despite threatening a late turnaround, fell to a 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge.
We’d put things right on our next trip to face the Londoners (more on that later), but our league campaign hadn’t begun as we’d hoped.
Kerstin Casparij wasn’t fazed by that tough start…
“There are 21 games to go. We stay calm and build on this.
“Especially in the second half, I think we played well and just unfortunately weren’t able to finish it off. [There are] lots of things to review and learn off.
“It’s the first game of the season. We have to keep calm.
“It’s a long season, we’re excited to be at home next week against Brighton and see all the fans.”
…But as the game approached the hour mark, City found ourselves behind once again after Fran Kirby’s early opener.
Thankfully, a Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw diving header drew us level, before Yui Hasegawa fired home with 15 to play to turn the game on its head.
City were off the mark and Laura Blindkilde Brown – given an opportunity from the start by Andrée Jeglertz, had shown she was ready to play a key role in our midfield.
“I was maybe a bit nervous to play that game because I hadn’t really started many games for City before.
"Since then I’ve taken it game by game, tried to give my all and just improve every game.
“I always play every game like I could lose my shirt. You never know if it could be your last time starting, so I always try to give it 100% in every game.
“I knew I had to try and keep my shirt as best as I could and the competition we have at City is unbelievable.
“Playing in a bit of a deeper role this season, I’ve really enjoyed that. Before, when I was playing higher in the midfield, defending was obviously still important but there maybe wasn’t as much of an emphasis on it.
“I actually really like it and it’s something I tried to work on, the out of possession things. It’s a physical league but if I can work on moving the ball quicker and protecting it, I don’t need to get into the battle in the first place.”
A deadline day signing from Manchester United, Grace Clinton’s arrival at the Joie Stadium came with a significant fanfare.
She’d missed the opening few weeks through injury but was among the substitutes for the first time ahead of a difficult away trip to Tottenham Hotspur.
A rather poetic debut for the England international, who was returning to face a Spurs side she’d enjoyed a breakout season with just two years before…
“It was random that it was my first game back after injury. It had been quite a tough start for me when I first signed here.
“Going back to a place where I was not long before and where I made such fond memories, to then go back and make another good memory which kick-started my time at City was a full circle moment.
“It was amazing and a bit of a relief, because there was obviously a lot of talk in the summer. So, for me it was that relief of ‘okay, I’m here now, settle down’.
“When it went in, I just felt that sense of relief. Just calm down, be free and do what you want to do.
“It was a nice moment for me because Spurs has a place in my heart. To then score there felt like the start of my new chapter.”
Impressive wins over Spurs and London City Lionesses had moved City up to third by the end of September, but a real test of our title credentials was on the horizon.
European champions Arsenal were in town and looking to gain an upper hand on the Blues in the WSL title race.
It looked like they’d nicked a point heading into the latter stages, but it was time for teenage talent Iman Beney to make a name for herself…
"When I look back on that game, I felt we were the better team and attacked that game with intent.
"We had the run of form, but when you play a top team with top players, you have to be on your A-game and have to get it right. I think that day we definitely did.
“Leading up to that game, I remember I spoke to Iman. I think we’d played Tottenham away a few weeks before, and she was really disappointed with a shot she’d missed, and it got to her.
“So, I said: ‘Iman, just focus on the next one, because when you get the next one I’m pretty sure you’re going to score. Just keep practicing, you’re young, it’s fine, mistakes will happen but it’s how you bounce back from each one that will define you.’
“She kept on trying and I was so happy for her when she scored that goal because I think from then, she believed she could do it.
“That’s all you need sometimes, and from that goal on, she just got better and better and more confident.”
“To score against Arsenal is something big, and to score the winner is big too.
“I’m really happy to score my first goal for this Club and to help the team.
"I think it was a big performance from the whole team. I’m really happy to be part of it.
“I hope I’ll have more big moments, for sure it’s a big moment for me. I’ll never forget my first goal, against Arsenal in the WSL.
“I think we’re a really good team with a lot of good players, experienced and young.
“This was an important game. We’re in a good way and we’ll keep going like this.”
City continued to gather momentum after that Arsenal result, moving top of the WSL table with a 2-1 win over Everton in early November.
Another huge test beckoned though, with the first Manchester Derby of the season at the Etihad Stadium.
But the Blues simply blew Manchester United away, with the game wrapped up by half-time after goals from Rebecca Knaak, Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp.
The pick of the bunch was our third and final strike in a 3-0 win, with Hemp rifling an unstoppable drive – with minimal back lift - into the top corner to put the result to bed.
A truly iconic goal to round off a win that City fans will talk about for years to come…
“I’ve scored a couple of goals against United but for sure that was one of the best I’ve probably scored. I was pretty surprised as well, but we were 2-0 up and in a good place, I thought I'd give it a go. It managed to pay off, it was great to go in three up at half-time. It’s up there with one of my best goals so far.
“I haven’t got a celebration so while I was in rehab I was trying to think of different ways to celebrate, and my Strength and Conditioning Coach came up with that, credit goes to him.
“I think from what I remember, my first touch wasn’t as good as what I wanted it to be, so it was almost like I was jogging back to create the momentum to shoot.
“It was a pretty weird shot to be honest, but I managed to get the power behind it and it worked, so I just need to work on my first touch now and it’ll be even better!”
The ultimate sign-off for 2025, as Bunny Shaw became the first player to score 100 goals in our professional era.
Not content with one goal against Aston Villa, the Jamaican grabbed another three in a 6-1 demolition at the Joie Stadium.
A special moment in our history for a truly special player…
“It’s a really good feeling and a big milestone for me. If you’d told me I’d have scored four goals I’d have said no!
“But for me, coming into the game I knew if I scored, I achieved this milestone, so I was hungry and confident going out there.
“The players said they’d try their best to get me to 100, so it was a really good feeling.
“I’ve always said from the first day I got here that this is a special club with the players I have around me. They make me look good, I’ve always said it.
“For me, I just have to keep my head down and keep working hard. I believe the sky’s the limit for me here, so when I do performances like that trophies and milestones will fall in my lap.
“I think for us, coming into this season, we knew the quality we have in this squad. We try to take it game by game and focus on ourselves, and that’s showing on the pitch. We take it step by step, this one is done now, so onto the next.”
With Chelsea losing to Arsenal the day before, City travelled south knowing we could go nine points clear of the reigning champions with a win at London City Lionesses.
It seemed like the whole footballing world was watching to see if the Blues could take a significant step forward in our quest for the title.
But with five minutes to play, it looked like we couldn’t.
Once again, though, with the game finely poised at 1-1, City found a way to win as Bunny Shaw smashed home a dramatic winner.
It was quite the moment for USA international Sam Coffey to make her debut, with the midfielder introduced late on as we searched for the victory…
“It puts us in an excellent position.
“There’s no settling, ever, but I think this gives us the confidence and momentum that we need.
“[It was a feeling of] Relief, the first City goal when I’m on the field, so it was just joy and excitement.
“I think it would’ve left with a bitter taste in my mouth if the debut was on a day where we didn’t get the result, so the fact that both can come together is all that matters to me.
“It was definitely a bit of a stressful game to come into, when Andrée called me in I was like 'okay, let’s do it'.
“Obviously I’ve been waiting to make my debut and have spent the last few weeks just trying to get my fitness back and settle coming from an off season, so I was happy to contribute to the team however I can.
“It was a chaotic one, but the biggest thing is we’re leaving with three points, that’s all that matters to me so I’m just really happy and honoured.”
There’ve been some heavyweight clashes between City and Chelsea in recent seasons.
But if the Londoners were on the ropes in the WSL title race after defeat to Arsenal, then they were dealt a knockout blow at the Etihad Stadium in early February.
Ever the player for the big occasion, Kerolin was the key protagonist in a 5-1 demolition, grabbing a hat-trick (including a cheeky chip over Hannah Hampton) en route to a famous win.
“I mean, I think City are doing well right now and we know this team is really special. What we’re doing inside is showing outside as an expression of ourselves. So I’m just really happy and proud of the team and think we’re on the way to making history. I want to make sure we keep doing that and have a go.
“The second [goal] was my favourite. I’m really proud of the group again though, what we’re doing right now isn’t just about myself, it’s about the quality of the whole team. We trust each other and know our quality so we’re just believing in the gameplan and playing with heart, which is the most important thing.
“We’re going to enjoy tonight!
"It's hard to describe how it feels. At the moment, the team is enjoying it. We know what we want. At the end of the day, you keep doing what you are doing, so we just need to make sure we do our job.
"It's hard to talk about myself. I'm enjoying the moment with the team. Without the team I can't do anything. If we're in this position right now, it's because of the team. I'm really happy to help. It's very nice to score a hat-trick against Chelsea but we need to keep going and look forward."
A 2-2 draw at United in May 2025 had confirmed City would miss out on European football, but things were very different heading to Old Trafford ten months later.
And with the pressure on, the Blues delivered a masterclass to cut the WSL title race down to a battle between ourselves and Arsenal.
City were two goals up inside 20 minutes, and three ahead before the 50-minute mark. It could even have been four had a Rebecca Knaak header not been ruled out for a foul on Phallon Tullis-Joyce in the United net.
Fresh from helping Japan win the Asian Cup in Australia, it was the dream return to action for Aoba Fujino…
“The last time we played against Manchester United at Old Trafford, I was just back from injury, so I started from the bench. But now, this time, I could start that match, it was really good.
“I missed the two games while I was at the Asian Cup so I was away from the team watching the matches. So, this time I wanted to contribute. Here, being back with City, I wanted to contribute to the Club. Before the match I was really excited and then after the match I was really happy to contribute to the good win.
“After coming back from the Asian Cup for a few days, I tried not to sleep during the day because of the jet lag. But my team-mates took me to cafes and we went out, so I had no time to sleep during the day, but I was okay.
“The Manchester Derby, for me, is a very big thing. So it was really good that we managed to win. And also as a team, we were on the same page and we were very united to fight as a team. So I'm really happy.”
We couldn’t stumble now, surely?!
City’s 3-2 defeat to Brighton the week before meant there were just two points between ourselves and Arsenal heading into the penultimate match of the season, provided the Gunners won their two games in hand.
A win over Liverpool in our final home match of the campaign was crucial, but despite dominating large parts of the contest, we couldn’t break down the visitors.
It looked like the race for the title would go to the final day, and it'd be Arsenal with all the momentum.
But one final throw of the dice paid off in stoppage time…
“Towards the end of the season, the games kind if become a league of their own. People are nervous, there’s stress and anxiety which is completely normal. The build-up to the game was quite good, everyone was focused and driven after the Brighton result the week before.
“Liverpool posed some difficult questions, they had a good plan coming into the game against us. At half-time it was just about keeping calm and playing our game, which was something we spoke about during the week.
“The corner we scored was an out-swinging corner, their keeper had done really well on in-swinging ones. When Alex and I walked to the corner flag, we said: 'Let’s do an outswinger so she can’t come and collect it'. Things like that go a long way, we know we’re good at set pieces so we try to exploit it as much as we can. We’ve paid so much attention to it in training and analysis. That communication is key so the way it paid off was incredible.
“I remember Becs diving and then, I think the keeper was in the right corner but it went in. It felt like slow motion, we jumped onto Becs but she was holding her shoulder so it very quickly went from celebrating to ‘are you okay?’, which also I think says a lot about this group of girls.
“I was so pleased for Becs, knowing her route to now and how she’s developed has been incredible. For her to have that moment makes me so happy for us as a team and her as a person.”
Just three days later, Arsenal’s 1-1 draw at Brighton was enough to confirm City had won the title – ending a decade of near misses in the WSL.
But the real celebrations could wait. There was one more trophy to win…
Just four days after being crowned champions of England, City battled Chelsea for a spot at Wembley in the FA Cup final…
Trailing 2-0 with less than five minutes to play of normal time, it looked like the Blues’ journey was over… but Jeglertz’s side had other ideas.
Mary Fowler halved the deficit with her first goal since her return from an ACL rupture, before Bunny Shaw’s chest and volley on the turn forced extra time.
The latter then pounced again to complete a stunning turnaround in the 103rd minute and seal a spot at Wembley against Brighton & Hove Albion.
One. More. Win.
“I think it was a really hard game to play, but always I say this team has a real winning mentality. I know if we score just one goal, I’m thinking we can win the game, and we did it. We showed that mentality again.
“Everything helps, and during the season we had a good atmosphere, working hard, helping each other. We have an amazing group to get this title, and these details show how strong this team is and what we can achieve.
“It would be amazing to go on and win the FA Cup. If we get this title it would really show how hard we’ve been working. Every single person had contributed a lot and helped, with an amazing character. I think it has to be the best end.”
It’s rather fitting that the crowning moment of City’s special 2025/26 campaign came at a stadium akin to footballing royalty.
A nervy first half-hour at Wembley was soon forgotten when Shaw – days after sensationally announcing she was staying at the Club – beat Chiamaka Nnazodie to a teasing Alex Greenwood cross to open the scoring.
Greenwood made it two with a free-kick before the break, with Aoba Fujino and Vivianne Miedema sealing the victory, and the Double, in the second half.
It was the perfect way to end a truly remarkable campaign for City. After four years without a trophy, we’d lifted two in as many weeks.
“What a season. What a way to end the season. We had a period between winning the league and now, we enjoyed ourselves and enjoyed being winners, but today was about doing what champions do, and that's to come and win again and again, and this is a fantastic team to be a part of.
“I practice it (free kicks) all the time, and I haven't scored a single goal all season, which has been quite annoying, but when she gave the free kick I just thought, 'you've practised all season, so do something about it' and thank God it went in the back of the net.
“If you watched the game, I don't think we actually played very well in the first half, to be honest, and I think we started the game a little bit slow. We had two weeks without playing, which is not an excuse, but it plays its part.
“I thought Brighton started the game really well, but the difference is we cannot concede a goal, and we know how to change the momentum of the game.
"We believe in each other and the tactics, and we have incredible individuals who can take the game by the scruff of the neck”
And so, the most successful season in Manchester City Women’s professional history to date comes to an end.
32 games
26 wins
93 goals
A WSL and FA Cup double
There’s a real feeling, though, that this is just the beginning…
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