Khadija Shaw, a key figure in Manchester City’s women’s football team, has always been more than just a footballer. Her skill and talent on the pitch have earned her recognition as one of the top strikers in the Women’s Super League (WSL), and her performances have consistently been crucial to her team’s success. However, recently, Shaw’s presence in the spotlight extended beyond her footballing ability, when she used her platform to make a powerful statement about racism. The recent match against Liverpool on February 16, 2025, highlighted both Shaw’s skill and her strength of character, marking a significant moment for her career and the fight against racism in football.
Khadija Shaw’s importance to Manchester City was evident in her performance against Liverpool. She scored twice in the first half to help City secure a commanding 4-0 victory, ending a streak of disappointing home defeats in the WSL. This victory was crucial for City’s ambitions of qualifying for the Champions League, keeping them in the race for a top-three finish. Shaw’s return to the starting lineup marked a turning point for her team, as she had been sidelined for a few months after suffering a leg injury in early December 2024. During her absence, City had struggled in her absence, losing three league games, which ultimately led them to fall out of contention for the WSL title.
Shaw’s two goals against Liverpool were a testament to her clinical finishing and her natural ability to perform under pressure. The first goal came when Shaw controlled a ball with great composure, turning in half a yard of space before firing across the goalkeeper. Her second goal demonstrated her technical proficiency when she controlled a cross at waist height and then, with a swift movement, swiveled and )struck the ball with a half-volley into the net. These goals not only showcased Shaw’s talent but also served as a reminder of what City had missed during her injury layoff. Shaw has always been a player who can deliver in the big moments, and this performance reaffirmed her importance to her team.
However, it was Shaw’s celebration after scoring the first goal that truly caught the attention of those watching the match. After scoring, Shaw raised her right fist and bowed her head, performing the Black Power salute. This iconic gesture, which was originally made famous by American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, is a symbol of resistance against racial inequality and injustice. For Shaw, the gesture carried a personal significance, as she had been subjected to racist abuse in the weeks leading up to the Liverpool match.
Shaw’s decision to make this statement through her celebration was particularly meaningful given the context of the abuse she had recently faced. Following Manchester City’s 4-3 loss to Arsenal in early February 2025, Shaw was targeted with racist messages on social media. The abuse was so severe that Shaw made the difficult decision to make herself unavailable for the subsequent League Cup semi-final match against Arsenal. This was a significant decision for Shaw, as it was the first time in her career that she chose not to participate in a crucial match for her team. However, she did return to action in the Women’s FA Cup match against Leicester, where she scored off the bench, demonstrating her resilience and determination to move forward.
The incident with Arsenal highlighted the mental toll that online abuse can take on athletes, and Shaw’s decision to step away from the spotlight in that moment showed immense self-awareness. By choosing not to play in the League Cup semi-final, Shaw took the time she needed to process the abuse and ensure that she would return to the pitch when she felt ready. Her absence from the match was a powerful statement in itself, as it demonstrated her refusal to let the negativity of online trolls affect her ability to perform at her best.
When Shaw returned to the pitch against Liverpool, she was ready to do her talking on the field. Her performance was nothing short of spectacular, as she scored twice and helped her team secure a vital victory. The gesture of raising her fist and bowing her head was a form of protest, a way for Shaw to reclaim her power and voice in the face of the racism she had endured. While Shaw declined to speak directly about her celebration in her post-match interview, Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor acknowledged its importance. He described Shaw as a “proud black woman” and emphasized that the gesture meant a lot to her, both personally and as a message of solidarity with the fight against racism. Taylor also praised the reaction from the home crowd, noting that the support Shaw received from the fans was significant in helping her through a challenging period.
The powerful symbolism of Shaw’s celebration was not lost on others in the football community. Former Manchester City defender Izzy Christiansen spoke about Shaw’s decision to take herself out of the equation against Arsenal, describing it as a “brilliant level of self-awareness.” Christiansen noted that by stepping back from the match, Shaw ensured that she would return to the pitch in a better mental and emotional state, thus avoiding making any decisions in the heat of the moment. Christiansen praised Shaw for using her platform to send a powerful message, and the support from both her teammates and fans was a testament to the positive impact Shaw’s actions had.zm
Shaw’s performance against Liverpool was a reminder of her exceptional quality as a player. She has established herself as one of the most prolific strikers in the Women’s Super League, and her ability to score goals consistently makes her a key player for Manchester City. Shaw has scored 11 goals in the league this season, three more than second-highest scorer Alessia Russo, despite having played two fewer matches. Shaw’s record at City is equally impressive, as she has scored 88 goals in just 102 appearances for the club, making her one of the most clinical finishers in the league.
Shaw’s importance to Manchester City cannot be overstated. She has been named City’s player of the year in each of the last two seasons and is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the league. Her combination of strength, skill, and technical ability makes her a formidable force in attack, and her ability to score in crucial moments has been a key factor in City’s success in recent years. In games like the one against Liverpool, Shaw’s quality shines through, as she is able to take advantage of even the smallest opportunities and turn them into goals.
The significance of Shaw’s return to form was further emphasized by the reaction from her teammates and the fans. Manchester City winger Lauren Hemp described Shaw’s performance as “incredible” and expressed her happiness at seeing Shaw back scoring goals after a difficult period. Hemp acknowledged that Shaw had been through a lot recently, and her ability to return to the pitch and perform at such a high level was a testament to her resilience. The crowd’s reaction to Shaw’s goals also underscored the respect and admiration she commands at City. The stadium announcer emphasized that Shaw was “our number 21” after both of her goals, further highlighting her importance to the club.
The match against Liverpool was not without its challenges, as both teams had several missed chances. Liverpool manager Matt Beard commented that the game could have ended 6-4, with plenty of missed opportunities on both sides. However, the difference between the teams was Shaw’s clinical finishing. Her ability to take full advantage of the chances she had was the deciding factor in the match, and her goals ultimately secured the three points for City.
As women’s football continues to grow in prominence, it is likely that the kind of abuse that Shaw experienced will become more prevalent. However, Shaw’s decision to rise above the abuse and continue to perform at the highest level serves as an inspiration to others. Her ability to turn adversity into motivation and use her platform to speak out against racism is a powerful example of strength and resilience. Shaw’s actions send a clear message that racism has no place in football, and athletes like Shaw are using their voices to challenge injustice and promote equality.
Shaw’s journey in football has not been without its struggles, but she has proven time and again that she is more than capable of overcoming adversity. Whether it’s battling injury, dealing with online abuse, or proving herself on the pitch, Shaw continues to demonstrate her unwavering determination to succeed. Her performances on the field speak for themselves, and her actions off the field show that she is not afraid to use her platform to make a difference. Khadija Shaw is not only one of the most talented players in women’s football, but she is also a powerful advocate for change, and her story is one of resilience, strength, and hope.
