REGGAE Girl Captain Khadija “Bunny” Shaw will don the coveted number 9 jersey at Manchester City for the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) 2025/26 season. The Jamaican international had previously worn the ‘Bunny 21’ jersey since joining the club four seasons ago.

Manchester City announced the number change, complete with accompanying visuals, to note that Shaw will be wearing a new “Bunny 9” jersey for the upcoming season. The new development was made public just ahead of an open training session at Joie Stadium on Tuesday. During the event the recently installed Swedish coach, Andrée Jeglertz; several beloved club staples (previous and current); and new signees were in attendance to fête the fans.

Shaw was among the must-sees for the ‘Cityzens’ who flocked the venue. The interminable goalscorer was observed on the sidelines interacting with fans of all ages, posing for selfies and signing City-branded shirts and other club merchandise.

“I am just here to do as much as I can and get to as much [people] as I can,” the footballer expressed while scribbling a litany of autographs, before flashing a smile and conceding that she is steadily improving but is still “getting used to” including her freshly minted number 9 to her autographing aesthetic.

The striker, when quizzed about City’s upcoming 2025/26 fixtures, was quick to underscore the nuances of the season ahead, “It’s a new coach, a different system, a different style of play. I am just excited to get the season going and see how well we do.”

The prolific forward currently retains the record for the most goals scored in a single season (2022/23) at the club, after netting 31 in 30 appearances. Adding to her remarkable achievements, the club fave who hails from Spanish Town, Jamaica, has logged 91 goals in 106 games on her way to becoming the current all-time leading scorer for the City women. Shaw has also recorded back-to-back WSL Golden Boot wins over the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons. The latter was met with incredulity, considering Shaw only managed to appear in a measly 14 fixtures across a season which found her plagued with injuries.

Shaw has now etched another milestone at City. Since the club’s rebrand in 2014 only three other players — Toni Duggan, Pauline Bremer and Chloe Kelly — have worn the revered number 9 jersey.

Manchester City are scheduled to kick off their season on Friday, September 5 against defending champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

— Gorgette Beckford