Dalglish and Carney win PFA Merit Awards

Sir Kenny Dalgish and Karen Carney have been honored with the Professional Footballers Association's merit awards for 2026. These awards recognize individuals who have made a significant impact on the sport. The full PFA Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Manchester on Tuesday evening, during which the men's and women's player of the year winners will be revealed.

Dalgish, a decorated footballer and manager, had an illustrious career both on and off the field. He is Scotland's most capped male international with 102 appearances and a record for scoring 30 goals for his nation. At Liverpool, he became a key player in their golden era, winning eight First Division titles and three European Cups.

Dalgish also had stints with Blackburn, Newcastle, and Liverpool once more, winning the 2012 League Cup. Recently, he revealed he is undergoing cancer treatment. Carney, a member of Arsenal's historic 2006-07 quadruple-winning squad, has had a successful club career with Chicago Red Stars, Birmingham City, and Chelsea. She scored crucial goals throughout her career, including an extra-time equalizer that helped Birmingham win the FA Cup in 2012.

Carney also represented England, scoring 32 goals in 144 appearances, and played a role in the country finishing third at the 2015 Women's World Cup. Post-retirement, she has transitioned into broadcasting and analysis, and was appointed to chair an independent review on the future of women's football in the UK.