The Women's Super League (WSL) 2025-26 season has come to a close, with Manchester City emerging as champions and Leicester City relegated. But beyond the headlines, there are stories of surprise, disappointment, and resilience that deserve to be told. In my opinion, this season has been a microcosm of the league's ongoing evolution, with new teams challenging the status quo and established sides navigating change. Let's take a closer look at some of the key moments and trends from the season, and what they might suggest for the future of women's football in England.
Manchester City: The Perfect Season
Manchester City's dominance this season was truly remarkable. With a 13-game winning streak and a 12-point lead over Chelsea at one point, they swept up the opposition and claimed their first league title in a decade. What makes this particularly fascinating is the fact that it was manager Andree Jeglertz's debut campaign. With no Champions League football to distract them, City were able to throw everything at the WSL title and it paid off. However, one thing that immediately stands out is the reliance on key players Khadija Shaw and Vivianne Miedema, who scored half of the club's goals. This raises a deeper question: how can City build on this success and create a more sustainable model for the future?
Arsenal: European Champions, WSL Strugglers
Arsenal, having been crowned European champions last year, had high hopes for a first WSL title since 2019. However, injuries and a handful of disappointing performances left them chasing early on, and that was enough to give City the advantage in the title race. In my opinion, this is a reminder that success in women's football is often a team effort, and that individual brilliance can only take a team so far. Another strong run to the semi-finals of the Champions League was a welcome addition to an otherwise steady season for Arsenal, but it will be a transitional year in 2026-27 with senior players departing and fresh faces arriving.
Chelsea: A Season of Disappointment
After winning six successive WSL titles, Chelsea signed forward Alyssa Thompson and defender Ellie Carpenter, so it was hard to look past them in the summer. However, an injury crisis up front and disruption behind the scenes, with the departure of head of women's football Paul Green, impacted a disappointing season. Manager Sonia Bompastor faced heat from fans for most of 2026, but her side were still able to win the League Cup in March. What this really suggests is that even the most successful teams can struggle, and that building a deep squad is crucial for long-term success.
Tottenham: The Surprise Package
The biggest surprise of the season was without a doubt Tottenham's revival under manager Martin Ho. Having arrived last summer, Ho took over a squad who finished second bottom in 2024-25 and were tipped to be involved in another relegation battle. However, he turned them into one of the league's most competitive sides and they impressed in showdowns with Manchester United and Arsenal. Shrewd business in the January transfer window gave Spurs another boost and the club look ambitious for next season. This raises a deeper question: how can other teams replicate Tottenham's success and build on their own potential?
London City Lionesses: The New Kids on the Block
The WSL newcomers, backed by billionaire Michele Kang and with no affiliation to a men's club, attracted a mountain of intrigue before the season began. While they showed signs of what they could do and a sixth-placed finish in their debut season in the top flight is certainly an achievement, the sacking of manager Jocelyn Precheur at the midway point felt unnecessary. This raises a deeper question: how can the WSL support and nurture new teams, and ensure that they have the resources and stability to compete at the highest level?
Brighton: A Season of Ups and Downs
It has been a season of ups and downs for Brighton, who are preparing to play in their first FA Cup final on Sunday, which is a sign of growth. However, Dario Vidosic's side have shown on several occasions they have what it takes to finish higher up the table - they are just not able to produce it consistently enough. This raises a deeper question: how can Brighton build on their recent successes and establish themselves as a consistent top-six side?
Everton: A Season of Disappointment
It was a disappointing season for Everton, who had high hopes following the arrival of new owners and a strong foundation built by former boss Brian Sorensen. However, a poor start to the campaign led to Sorensen's sacking, and while they recovered, it stumped their progress. This raises a deeper question: how can Everton rebuild and establish themselves as a consistent top-six side, and what role can new owners play in this process?
Aston Villa: A Season of Inconsistency
Aston Villa had high hopes for the new season after bringing in young talent in the transfer window, but it has not gone to plan. Natalia Arroyo's side have been inconsistent and have not been able to compete as much as they would have liked with teams around them. This raises a deeper question: how can Aston Villa build on their recent successes and establish themselves as a consistent top-six side, and what role can young talent play in this process?
West Ham: A Season of Transition
West Ham sacked manager Rehanne Skinner after winning only one of their opening 11 games and hired Rita Guarino in December. While they lost key players in January, they did boost the squad with fresh additions who fitted Guarino's philosophy. This raises a deeper question: how can West Ham build on their recent successes and establish themselves as a consistent top-six side, and what role can new managers play in this process?
Liverpool: A Season of Challenges
Liverpool warned supporters it could be a difficult campaign following a disruptive summer which included the departure of star player Olivia Smith and vice-captain Taylor Hinds, both to Arsenal. Manager Gareth Taylor was appointed late because of issues with his previous contract at Manchester City, and serious injuries to key players contributed to Liverpool dropping to the bottom of the table. This raises a deeper question: how can Liverpool rebuild and establish themselves as a consistent top-six side, and what role can new managers and players play in this process?
Leicester City: A Season of Uncertainty
Sacking Amandine Miquel 10 days before their season opener against Manchester United meant Leicester were always on the backfoot. It led to a poor campaign which ended in relegation on Saturday after a five-year stay in the WSL. This raises a deeper question: how can Leicester City rebuild and establish themselves as a competitive side in WSL 2, and what role can new managers and players play in this process?
In conclusion, the WSL 2025-26 season has been a microcosm of the league's ongoing evolution, with new teams challenging the status quo and established sides navigating change. As the league continues to grow and evolve, it will be fascinating to see how these teams adapt and build on their successes and challenges. Personally, I think the WSL is on the cusp of something special, and that the future of women's football in England is bright.
