Dalglish and Carney win PFA Merit Awards

Sir Kenny Dalglish and Karen Carney have been honored with the Professional Footballers Association's (PFA) merit awards for 2026. These awards recognize individuals who have made a significant impact on the sport of football. The PFA Awards ceremony will take place in Manchester on Tuesday evening, where the winners for both men's and women's player of the year will be announced.

Sir Kenny Dalglish, a prolific player and manager, made an indelible mark on the game. He holds the record for Scotland's most capped men's international with 102 appearances and matches Denis Law's national team record of 30 goals. Beginning his career at Celtic, Dalglish moved to Liverpool in 1977 for a British record fee, becoming an integral part of the club's golden era.

Over 14 years, he won eight First Division titles and three European Cups, scoring 30 goals in 515 appearances for Liverpool. He was also runner-up for the Ballon d'Or in 1983. Dalglish, appointed player-manager in 1985, led Liverpool to three league titles and two FA Cups, including the Double in the 1985-86 season, before retiring from playing in 1990.

After his departure, he guided Blackburn to the Premier League title in 1995 and had stints with Celtic, Newcastle, and Liverpool again, winning the 2012 League Cup. Dalglish, now 75, announced in June 2026 that he is undergoing cancer treatment. Off the field, he has been a significant figure in Merseyside, leading the club through the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster in 1989 and raising millions for cancer care and treatment through the Marina Dalglish Appeal.

Karen Carney, a former England attacking midfielder, was a key member of Arsenal's historic quadruple-winning side in the 2006-07 season. After her playing career, which saw her win the league, FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Women's Cup with Arsenal, along with the WSL and FA Cup double with Birmingham City, Carney transitioned into broadcasting and analysis.

She was appointed by the UK Government to chair an independent review on the future of domestic women's football in 2023. Representing England from a young age, Carney scored 32 goals in 144 appearances for the Lionesses and helped the team finish third at the 2015 Women's World Cup. She also represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics.