[1] The award has been presented since the 2017–18 season, with the inaugural winner being Chelsea forward Fran Kirby.

The most recent winner of the award as of 2023–24, is Khadija Shaw of Manchester City.

The winner is selected by a vote amongst the members of the Football Writers' Association (FWA), which comprises around 400 football journalists based throughout England.

[2] Fran Kirby was the first player to win the award twice.

[3] Sam Kerr was the first player to win the award twice in a row.