Frida Maanum

Powerful midfielder Frida enjoyed a fine season in the No. 10 role, featuring in every game and contributing 11 goals, including seven in the WSL (plus two assists) and, crucially, the winner against Rosenborg in September 2024 in our second Champions League game of the season. She worked tirelessly in the final as well, and came as close to scoring as anyone in the first half when her fierce long-range shot drew a fine save from Barcelona keeper Cata Coll.

It was a stunning return to full fitness following her scare in the 2024 League Cup final, when she collapsed on the pitch in extra time. Her performance that day epitomised her abilities as she pressed Chelsea defenders and knitted together attack and defence.

Strong, skilful and deadly from long range, Frida was regarded as one of Europe’s brightest prospects when she joined the Gunners in July 2021, and she has justified that tag since. She was our second-top scorer in 2022/23, netting 16 times and missing out on the Player of the Season award to Katie McCabe by just two per cent.

A Norwegian international since 2017, she has featured at two World Cups and two European Championships, most recently the 2025 edition in Switzerland.