Sir Kenny Dalglish and Karen Carney receive PFA Merit Awards
Two football legends recognised for outstanding careers on and off the pitch
Sir Kenny Dalglish and Karen Carney OBE have been awarded the PFA Merit Award 2026 in recognition of their outstanding careers in football and their contributions to the game beyond the pitch.
The pair are among the most decorated figures in British football, with Dalglish recognised for his achievements as both a player and manager and Carney honoured for her distinguished playing career, broadcasting work and contribution to the development of women’s football.
Sir Kenny Dalglish's remarkable career
Sir Kenny Dalglish won six league titles and three European Cups during his playing career with Liverpool.
He was named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 1982/83 and finished runner-up for the Ballon d’Or in 1983.
Dalglish remains Scotland’s most-capped men’s international, having made 102 appearances for his country. His 30 international goals also make him Scotland’s joint-record men’s goalscorer alongside Denis Law.
After becoming Liverpool player-manager in 1985, he led the club to the league and FA Cup double in his first season in charge.
He later managed Blackburn Rovers to the Premier League title in 1994/95.
His contribution to Liverpool extends far beyond football. Following the Hillsborough tragedy, Dalglish and his family played a significant role in supporting bereaved families and the wider community.
His contribution to the club was formally recognised in 2017 when Anfield’s Centenary Stand was renamed in his honour.
In 2005, Sir Kenny and his wife, Lady Marina Dalglish, established the Marina Dalglish Appeal following Marina’s treatment for breast cancer. The charity has since raised millions of pounds to support cancer care, facilities and treatment in the region.
Karen Carney recognised for contribution to women's football
Karen Carney OBE enjoyed an 18-year playing career at the highest level, representing Birmingham City, Arsenal, Chicago Red Stars and Chelsea.
She made 144 appearances for England, scoring 32 goals, and represented the Lionesses at four World Cups and four European Championships.
Carney was part of the England side that won bronze at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and also represented Team GB at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
At club level, she was part of the Arsenal side that completed an historic quadruple in 2006/07, winning the league, FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Women’s Cup.
She later helped Chelsea win the WSL and FA Cup double in 2017/18 before becoming club captain the following season.
Following her retirement in 2019, Carney established herself as a leading football broadcaster and analyst.
She was subsequently appointed by the UK Government to chair its independent review into the future of domestic women’s football.
Published in 2023, the review made 10 strategic recommendations covering areas including professional standards, player welfare, union representation, the talent pathway and the long-term commercial development of the women’s game. The Government subsequently accepted all 10 recommendations.
Carney was awarded an MBE in 2017 and elevated to an OBE in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours for services to association football.
In February 2026, she also became an investor in Birmingham City Women, the club where she began her senior career.
The PFA Merit Award is given by the Professional Footballers' Association for meritorious service to football.
The most recent winners of the award are Sir Gareth Southgate and Emma Hayes.