Shaw takes women’s football to new heights

While Jamaican senior women's international Khadija Shaw's embraced her return to competitive play for the first time in months, she continues to make history for women's football in the island.

This as the 23-year-old yesterday was named among the sporting figures that will be awarded national honours later this year. She will be awarded with the Order of Distinction officer class, the country's sixth highest honour for outstanding achievements in football.

Shaw is the first women footballer to be recognised in this fashion. Head coach Hubert Busby Jr praised her accomplishments and her impact on the women's game in Jamaica.

"She is arguably one of the best strikers in the world," Busby told STAR Sports. "For her to be recognised for her contributions to the sport and what she has done in uplifting and providing inspiration of another generation of players is fantastic."

Jamaica Football Federation general secretary Dalton Wint also congratulated Shaw on the achievement, saying that it is an accolade that she has earned.

"Her recognition by the national awards body is something that is well deserved," Wint said. Cedella Marley, whose efforts led to the revival of the senior women's programme, will also be awarded the Order of Distinction but in the rank of Commander.

Shaw was an integral part of the Reggae Girlz's historic FIFA Women's World Cup campaign and is the all-time leading goal scorer for both men and women.

She played her first game since February on Sunday in the rescheduled Coup de France Feminine semi-final but was unable to stop her French club, Bordeaux, from losing 2-1. It was her first competitive fixture in six months because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The virus halted domestic play in France, postponing the semi-final fixtures, which were originally scheduled for March, and, ultimately, ending the Division One Feminine season in April. Bordeaux finished the season in third place with 37 points, missing out on a Women's Champions League spot for the upcoming season. Because of the decision to end the season, Olympique Lyon were declared champions, with six games remaining.

Shaw's second season in France is scheduled to begin later this month.