Check out the winners from the first ever Women's Football Awards

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Alessia Russo, Lauren James and Keira Walsh were among the winners

England stars Alessia Russo, Keira Walsh and Lauren James were among the winners at the first ever Women's Football Awards.

The awards given out on the night were nominated and voted for by the general public.

Eni Aluko who co-hosted the awards with Jamie Carragher said, "for the first time, women's football has got the recognition it deserved."

Let's take a closer look at the awards.

What are the Women's Football Awards?

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Women's football has been gaining more support over recent years and was thrust into the spotlight after England won the Euros in 2022

The Women's Football Awards are exactly what they say on the tin - an awards ceremony to celebrate all things to do with women's football!

It is the first major awards event recognising the achievements of women's football at every level.

Beth Mead who backed the awards said: "The Women's Football Awards will celebrate the success of women in football in the UK and all over the world.

"This is a major event which will shine a light on the success in the game and the people, brands and organisations which support its growth.

"I am so pleased to be supporting it."

Where were the Women's Football Awards celebrated?

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Lauren James and Missy Bo Kearns both picked up the young football player of the year award

The glittery awards ceremony took place at a ceremony in London on 25 May 2023.

The public were in charge of the nominations and the winners were chosen by combining the public's votes with the judges votes.

Over 20,000 votes were cast by the public.

Who were the winners at the Women's Football Awards?

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, Alessia Russo (second left) picked up the Player of the Year award

Manchester United forward Alessia Russo was named player of the year.

She ended the 2022 Euros with four goals - with one against Sweden earning herself "Goal of the Tournament" by UEFA.

Fellow Euro 2022 winner Keira Walsh was given the international player of the year award after joining Barcelona from Manchester City last summer for a world record fee.

Chelsea forward Lauren James and Liverpool midfielder Missy Bo Kearns who are both just 21-years-old were winners in the young player of the year category.

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, Karen Carney who retired in 2019 with 144 England caps won the Lifetime Achievement Award

Coming in the top spot for best club of the year was Manchester United.

Although currently sitting in second position in the league table, United have the most points they've ever achieved and have qualified for the Champions League for the first time.

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, Eni Aluko won over 100 England caps before she retired in 2020

Co-host and former England player Eni Aluko said:

"Tonight was a highlight of my career. This was a first for women's football and a landmark moment for the game. I am so proud to be part of this event.

"For the first time, women's football has got the recognition it deserved.

It is even more special because the public nominated and voted for these awards."