Women's Super League In the world of women’s football, where just a few years ago contracts exceeding several hundred thousand pounds per year generated huge excitement, Khadija “Bunny” Shaw has just pushed the boundaries of the market. The Jamaican forward signed a new four year contract with Manchester City through 2030, and according to British media reports, the deal is set to make her the highest paid female footballer in the world.
The announcement came at the least expected moment. During Manchester City’s title parade and end of season celebrations, Shaw received the player of the season award and then briefly said:
“I’m still here. I’m still hungry for success and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
The Co-op Live Arena erupted. Just days earlier, it had seemed almost certain that the 29 year old striker would leave the club after her previous contract expired.
Chelsea Were Close
For weeks, the media had strongly linked Shaw with Chelsea. “The Blues” were reportedly prepared to offer her a contract worth around £1 million per year: a figure that until recently seemed unimaginable in women’s football.
Manchester City reacted at the last moment. According to reports from outlets including The Guardian, The Times, and ESPN, the club significantly improved its offer, and Shaw’s new deal is believed to be worth well over £1 million annually.
This is more than just a routine contract extension. It is a clear statement of ambition from the champions of England. City want to build their future around one of the most dominant strikers in modern football.
The Journey from Jamaica to the Top
Khadija Monifa Shaw was born on January 31, 1997, in Jamaica. The nickname “Bunny” has followed her since childhood and is now part of her sporting identity.
She arrived in Europe in 2019 after playing college soccer in the United States, representing the University of Tennessee and the University of South Florida. She first played for Bordeaux in France before joining Manchester City in 2021.
The beginnings in England were not easy. Injuries and adapting to the physical nature of the Women’s Super League took time. But once Shaw found her place in City’s system, she began scoring goals relentlessly.
She won the WSL Golden Boot in the 2023/24, 2024/25, and 2025/26 seasons. In the recently concluded campaign, she scored 21 goals in 22 league matches and led City to the English title. Since arriving at the club, she has scored more than 117 goals in all competitions.
Her style of play combines strength, pace, and extraordinary efficiency in front of goal. Experts also highlight her tactical intelligence, pressing, and leadership qualities. For several years, she has also captained the Jamaican national team.
A Contract That Could Change the Market
Shaw’s new deal is not only a personal financial success for the player, but also a symbol of the changes taking place in women’s football.
As recently as 2022, the highest salaries in Europe were around £300,000–400,000 per year. Today, the biggest stars are crossing the million pound mark.
For comparison, Catarina Macario was considered one of the highest paid players in the world thanks to an NWSL contract reportedly worth around £1.18 million annually. According to media reports, Shaw is now set to earn even more.
Experts point to the rapid growth of the Women’s Super League as the main reason. Revenues from television rights are increasing, sponsors are becoming more interested, and the biggest clubs are beginning to treat women’s football as a strategic business project.
Manchester City, backed by City Football Group, has the financial power to compete with any club in Europe.
At the same time, keeping Shaw is not only a sporting investment for City, but also a marketing one. The Jamaican has become the face of the team: a charismatic leader and one of the most recognizable figures in women’s football.
Prospects
At 29 years old, Shaw is probably entering the best period of her career. Ahead of her are more seasons competing for the biggest trophies, especially the Champions League, which Manchester City still have not won.
“I’ve always said Manchester City is my home,” she said after signing the new contract. “I’ve developed here as a player and as a person. I’m happy that I can stay for another four years and fight for everything.”
Her decision has closed one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer in women’s football. Chelsea must now look elsewhere for a star striker, while Manchester City can calmly plan the defense of their league title.
Bunny Shaw is not only setting new financial standards in women’s football. She is also showing that sporting ambition, loyalty to a club, and big business can go hand in hand today.
