Overview
- The Professional Footballers’ Association announced the 2026 Merit Award winners on Tuesday, naming Sir Kenny Dalglish and Karen Carney at the PFA Awards in Manchester.
- The Merit Award is given to people judged to have made a lasting contribution to football, with this year’s picks highlighting impact across generations and across the men’s and women’s games.
- Sir Kenny Dalglish was honoured for his decades as a player and manager, his leadership after the Hillsborough disaster, and his long-running fundraising through the Marina Dalglish Appeal; he confirmed in June 2026 that he is receiving cancer treatment.
- Karen Carney was recognised for a decorated playing career that included 144 England caps and major club honours, plus her post-playing influence through media work and chairing the UK Government review of domestic women’s football in 2023.
- Dalglish gave a brief acceptance message thanking teammates, managers and supporters, and the awards night will also reveal the men’s and women’s PFA Players’ Player of the Year winners later in the event.