Olivia Smith Nominated for 2026 PFA Young Player of the Year

Olivia Smith’s rise shows no sign of slowing.

The Arsenal forward has been shortlisted for the 2026 PFA Young Player of the Year award, a year on from winning the same prize during her final season at Liverpool. Back‑to‑back recognition from her peers would place her firmly among the elite of the women’s game at just 20 years of age.

This latest nomination is built on a first campaign in north London that never really paused for breath. Smith arrived from Liverpool last summer and announced herself in the most emphatic fashion: a stunning long‑range strike on her Arsenal debut at Emirates Stadium against London City Lionesses. One swing of her right boot, and the new signing was already at home on one of the biggest stages.

The goals kept coming. In February, she found the net in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Corinthians, a result that secured the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup for Arsenal. On a night that demanded composure and conviction, Smith delivered again.

By the end of the 2025/26 season, her numbers told their own story. Ten goals in 38 appearances across all competitions, a consistent presence in a side chasing silverware on multiple fronts. Beyond club duty, she also added three more caps for Canada in this calendar year, underlining her growing stature on the international scene.

PFA Shortlist

The PFA shortlist underlines the calibre of company she keeps. Joining Smith among the six Young Player contenders are Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea), Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses), Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Toko Koga (Tottenham Hotspur), and Veerle Buurman (Chelsea) – a cross‑section of the brightest talent in the domestic game.

Arsenal’s quality is reflected elsewhere on the ballot, too. Alessia Russo features among the nominees for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award, a nod to her influence at the spearhead of the Gunners’ attack.

All eyes now turn to August 25, when the winners will be revealed at the PFA awards ceremony. Smith has already proved she belongs in this conversation. The only question left is whether she will walk away with the Young Player trophy for the second year running.