#IMBHM: 10 of the Biggest Stars in the Premier League & WSL (25/26)

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The Premier League and WSL are considered one of, if not the best, leagues in the men’s and women’s game. Back in 2023, we highlighted some of the players who were going to star in the WSL, with Melvine Malard and Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw also doing numbers in 2026. For Black History Month, we are highlighting 5 stars from each division and why they are some of the best to have played this season.

Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United)

13 appearances / 5 clean sheets

Phallon has been the Man Utd no. 1 for a year and a half now, and has continued to be one of the best in the league. Her save compilations show the many world-class saves she has pulled off, and while she has a good defence in front of her, Tullis-Joyce does her job as the last person in front of the goal. They are joint-second when it comes to clean sheets, and the goals conceded in her absence highlight their importance. Now a U.S. international and showing her stuff in the Champions League, the world is becoming more aware of this goalkeeper’s talents.

Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)

22 appearances / 3 goals / 3 assists / 11 clean sheets

The Gunners might be about to win their first league title in 22 years, and one of the reasons will be this Brazilian defender. His partnership with William Saliba has led to the most clean sheets in the league, the backbone of this title challenge. But, his attacking attributes can’t be understated, popping up with some important goals such as the winner at St. James Park in September. This team has plenty of good defenders, but Gabriel is the goal-scoring centre-back that will be remembered if they stay top.

Wassa Sangare (London City Lionesses)

14 appearances / 2 assists / 3 clean sheets

In their first year in the WSL, London City has signed plenty of big names to make them competitive. One of the standouts has been young French defender, Wassa Sangare, who has 89.4% passing accuracy, while winning 62.5% of duels. Her performances earned her a call-up for France, able to hold off top-tier attackers, while their pace allows them to start off attacks and track back. When she heads back to Lyon in the summer, this player will be knocking on the door of the first team.

Marc Guehi (Manchester City)

25 appearances / 2 goals / 2 assists / 9 clean sheets

Potentially one of the signings of the season, Marc Guehi may be one of the reasons that Man City wins the title. Having proven himself as one of the best in the league at Crystal Palace, he has continued to be world-class since his transfer. Since joining, they have only dropped 2 points, with Guehi moving from one great defence to help make another. Off the back of another good season, he will be crucial to how England performs at the World Cup, as well.

Olivia Smith (Arsenal)

12 appearances / 4 goals / 1 assist

Having been Liverpool’s star player last season, Olivia Smith made headlines as the 1st £1 million signing in women’s football. In an attack full of talent, Smith has continued to star for her new club, causing full-backs problems with her pace and skills. Already making a name for herself in the Canadian team and scoring in Arsenal’s Champions Cup victory, she is going to be a name you hear for years to come.

Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

27 appearances / 8 goals / 5 assists

Aston Villa are on course for a return to the Champions League, and Morgan Rogers will be a big part of that happening. The club’s best when it comes to goal contributions, his dribbling, link-ups, and fabulous finishes make him a great player to watch. Since arriving from Middlesbrough, he has torn up the league, earning the attention of big clubs, but has remained loyal to Villa. Not only a star in Birmingham, he will also hopefully deliver the goods at the World Cup.

Kerolin (Manchester City)

9 appearances / 7 goals / 4 assists

While her gametime has been limited by injury, Kerolin has made the most of her time on the pitch this season. In a team that has been dominating the league with its plethora of goal scorers, she is only bettered by her teammates when it comes to WSL goal contributions. Their hat-trick against Chelsea was a statement that showed the title is likely changing hands, and she has the most goals per game in the league. This player’s return has certainly helped to push City towards being champions.

Bryan Mbuemo (Manchester United)

22 appearances / 9 goals / 3 assists

Having killed it for Brentford in recent years, Mbuemo has certainly made the most of his debut season at Old Trafford. Whether cutting in from the wing or starting up top, his strength and pace make him a pain for any defence. He’s already become a fan favourite, having scored big goals against City, Arsenal, and Liverpool. With Manchester United needing more goals this season, this player has certainly met the assignment.

Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea)

14 appearances / 6 goals / 1 assist

In what has been a difficult season for the defending champions, their new signing has shown they were worth the huge price tag. Able to play in any of the forward positions, she has stood up to the task of keeping Chelsea in the top 3 race. She is also one of the stars of the U.S. national team, who are looking to be one of the world’s best once again. At just 21 years old, Alyssa Thompson has even more levels to reach.

Igor Thiago (Brentford)

27 appearances / 17 goals / 1 assist

Brentford continues to defy the odds by somehow finding even better strikers every year, and Igor Thiago proves that. The second-highest goalscorer in the Premier League this year, the Brazilian has helped The Bees challenge for Europe. Whether outperforming xG (Expected Goals) or scoring hat-tricks against Everton, he has been one of the biggest surprises this season and should be part of the Brazil squad this summer.

Read more Black History Month pieces here.

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