PFA Merit Award 

Karen Carney OBE receives the 2026 PFA Merit Award

Karen Carney OBE has received the 2026 PFA Merit Award, recognising her outstanding contribution to football as a player and her continued influence on the women’s game.

Carney enjoyed an 18-year playing career at the highest level, representing Birmingham City, Arsenal, Chicago Red Stars and Chelsea.

She made 144 appearances for England, scoring 32 goals, and represented the Lionesses at four World Cups and four European Championships. She was part of the England side that won bronze at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and also represented Team GB at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

At club level, Carney was part of the Arsenal side that completed an historic quadruple in 2006/07, winning the league, FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Women’s Cup. She later helped Chelsea win the WSL and FA Cup double in 2017/18 before becoming club captain the following season.

Following her retirement in 2019, Carney established herself as a leading football broadcaster and analyst. She was subsequently appointed by the UK Government to chair its independent review into the future of domestic women’s football.

Published in 2023, the review made 10 strategic recommendations covering areas including professional standards, player welfare, union representation, the talent pathway and the long-term commercial development of the women’s game. The Government subsequently accepted all 10 recommendations.

Carney was awarded an MBE in 2017 and elevated to an OBE in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours for services to association football.

In February 2026, she also became an investor in Birmingham City Women, the club where she began her senior career.