Warwick's Jess Carter has been named 'Footballer of the Year' by The Guardian.

The national newspaper gave the award to the England and Gotham FC defender after she "publicly confronted racist abuse at the Euros and ended 2025 a title winner with club and country".

Two men have been arrested for sending racist abuse to her after the Lionesses' triumph at the Euros this summer.

During the tournament - following a torrent of online abuse - she posted on Instagram to say she would be taking a step back from social media and said it is not acceptable "to target someone's appearance or race".

As well as winning a second Euros with England in the summer, Carter also won her first national Women's Soccer League title in the USA.

Local MP Matt Western has praised the footballer on a number of occasions and welcomed the award from The Guardian.

He wrote: "Our Jess has been made The Guardian's footballer of the year, and rightly so.

"Locally, we've known just how impressive and inspiring Jess is for many years and to now see a much wider audience recognise this is really special.

"Jess bravely spoke out about the appalling racist abuse she faced last summer and outlines how difficult that was in this article. She also speaks candidly about the impact the vile abuse had on her and her confidence.

"In my view, whilst I have huge admiration for Lucy Bronze, Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly and so many others, I believe there is no-one else better suited to this title than Jess. I am so proud of her and know our towns are to."

Read The Guardian's full interview with Jess Carter here.

(Header image by Bryan Berlin via wikimedia commons)