Eni Aluko searching for women’s football ‘Unsung Hero’ to be honoured at star-studded 2024 awards

Eni Aluko is searching for a women’s football ‘Unsung Hero’ to be honoured at the star-studded 2024 Women’s Football Awards in May.

Aluko, who co-hosts the awards gala alongside Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, has called upon the public to nominate their women’s football figures who consistently go above and beyond but often fall under the radar: from grassroots volunteers to those in the professional ranks.

Those nominated for the Unsung Hero Award will be invited to the glamorous London gala, which last year welcomed superstar names such as Alessia Russo, Lauren James, Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Karen Carney and Missy-Bo Kearns.

The Women’s Football Awards is the biggest awards event in women’s football, celebrating the players, people, brands and organisations contributing to the phenomenal growth of the sport.

In 2023, then-Manchester United forward Russo scooped the prestigious Player of the Year Award before her high-profile transfer to Arsenal, while Barcelona’s Keira Walsh and Chelsea and England star Lauren James also took home major accolades. 

Former England captain Carol Thomas was also awarded a special recognition award for her efforts advancing the game after the FA ban on women’s football was lifted in 1971 after 50 years. Broadcaster Karen Carney won the Lifetime Achievement Award. 

As the 2024 awards return, with nominations now open to the public, other key categories include Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, Women’s Football Broadcaster and Journalist of the Year, Football Business of the Year and the Off The Pitch award.

Eni Aluko, who made 102 appearances for the Lionesses and returns as co-host of the Women’s Football Awards in 2024, said: 

“We want to honour an Unsung Hero, a person who raises the bar to support a player, a club, an organisation or the game as a whole.

“Women’s football is growing so quickly, and we know so many people, often in their spare time, are doing as much as they can to support, nurture and enhance this growth.

“The 2024 Women’s Football Awards is excited to honour these amazing people in a room filled with Women’s Super League and international superstars.

“If you think you know someone who deserves to be honoured, head to www.womensfootballawards.com to nominate them now!”

Women’s football fans can nominate their heroes of the game between now and February, when the final shortlist will be unveiled ahead of the star-studded awards gala on May 30th following the culmination of the Women’s Super League campaign. 

The Women’s Football Awards 2024 is held in partnership with SHEIN, VISA and TikTok. The official shortlist will be released in February 2024.