BAD BUNNY!

REGGAE Girlz superstar Khadija “Bunny” Shaw has spent her career defying expectations, and she reached another incredible milestone by being recognised as the third-best player in women’s football globally. On Monday, Shaw finished in the top three of the Women’s Ballon d’Or Rankings, as announced at the awards ceremony in London, England. The Jamaican, who was tipped as one of the favourites, ended behind winner Alexia Putellas of Spain who was recognised for her quadruple-winning season with FC Barcelona last season. Shaw is the only Jamaican to have ever been nominated for the Ballon d’Or, male or female, and she created further history by becoming just the fourth player from outside Europe to finish in the top three. She is also only the third North American player to achieve the feat, joining USA’s Megan Rapinoe, who won the award in 2019, and Alex Morgan, who finished third that same year. Shaw had a remarkable season in England, guiding Manchester City to the Women’s Super League (WSL) and the FA Cup, ending their four-year title drought. She finished with 21 goals to win the WSL Golden Boot for a third-straight season and was named WSL Player of the Season, Professional Footballers Association (PFA) Player of the Year, and Football Writers Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year. Shaw improved on her ranking after finishing 24th in the 2023 race and 15th in 2024. Despite not winning the overall award, the Reggae Girlz captain says she’s overwhelmed by the achievement. “To be named as the third-best player by those who voted is a huge honour for me, and I’m extremely grateful for the recognition,” Shaw said. “[Manchester] City are a special club, and for them to trust me with leading our front-line week in, week out, is something I take immense pride in. “I would like to thank my teammates and the staff for supporting me, on and off the pitch, so I can perform at my best. Recording a historic double last season was a campaign that will always hold a special place in my heart. This recognition would not be possible without them.” Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts told the Jamaica Observer that Shaw deserves to be recognised as one of the world’s best. “Bunny has been on the world stage for a number of years and we’re just super excited and happy that she would have achieved so much during her footballing career,” he said. “Bunny is one of our local players who would have ascended to the position of being a superstar, and she would have come up through a local parish programme and, of course, our national programme. “It gives us more reason to be delighted and proud of the achievements of a local superstar. It has reached the level now that nothing that Bunny achieves is surprising because she seems to be head and shoulders above [other players], especially in Concacaf and certainly matching up with those worldwide. So, we are again basking in another historic achievement and I really want to personally, and certainly on behalf of the entire JFF, to extend again for the umpteenth time another congratulatory remark to the great Khadija “Bunny” Shaw. We are just super excited and we’re here to give her as much support as we can.” Reggae Girlz Head Coach Hubert Busby says Shaw has further cemented her status as a legend in Jamaican culture. “I think it’s well documented of what an impact, not just her but the women’s team, senior women’s team, has had on young girls in Jamaica and in the Diaspora. And to see one of our own highlighted when you’re watching these awards with the best of the best players and the distinguished guests who are there, it is remarkable just to know how far she’s come in this time,” he told the Observer. “I just think she’s going to go from strength to strength. I still think she’s got a few more years left in her so we just continue to be revelled in her accomplishments. And, let’s not forget, she definitely is a national treasure, for sure.” Shaw joined Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne as the only Man City players in history to finish in the top three of the Ballon d’Or.