KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has congratulated prolific Reggae Girl Khadija “Bunny” Shaw on becoming the first Caribbean female football player to win the 2022 Concacaf Women’s Player of the Year award.

“The country has watched with pride and absolute amazement the rapid growth of the captain of the Jamaica National Senior Women’s team, especially since going professional in 2019. To top this prestigious awards list that included accomplished players from the USA and Canada, among others, is an historic achievement for Jamaica. She becomes the first ever awardee from outside of the United States,” said the JFF.

“In winning this award, Khadija has enhanced brand Jamaica, but even more so, has offered immense hope to countless young Jamaican female footballers. From playing in the streets of Spanish Town, to St Jago High School, to club, to the national teams, to college and the professional ranks, she has not only paved the football pathway, but has shown the qualities that breed success,” added Michael Ricketts, President of the JFF.

According to Concacaf, the 26-year-old talismanic striker enjoyed a superb year in 2022.

“Four years after helping Jamaica become the first ever Caribbean nation to qualify for a FIFA Women’s World Cup, Shaw played a huge role in helping Jamaica qualify for their second straight Women’s World Cup. We pray for her continued good health and strength as she prepares to lead our national team at the Women’s World Cup,” their article on Shaw’s accomplishment read.j

The men’s award was won by Alphonso Davies of Canada.

READ: Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw is Concacaf’s 2022 Women’s Player of the Year

Shaw, who is Jamaica’s leading goal scorer across gender and currently the leading goal scorer in the 2023 Women’s Soccer League, helped Jamaica become the first-ever Caribbean nation to qualify for a FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019 and again in 2023.

“Happy and grateful to be awarded Concacaf Women’s Player of the Year. Thanks to everyone associated with Concacaf as well as my teammates and staff,” Shaw said in a social media post.