The 2025/26 season has been another landmark campaign for British South Asian representation across men's and women's football, with players making their mark at every level — from the Women's Super League to the National League. Now, Sky Sports has unveiled its annual Team of the Season, highlighting nine players who retain their spots alongside a few new faces. Here’s how the standout XI shapes up.
Goalkeeper: Jasbir Singh
Tamworth’s vice-captain Jasbir Singh remained a commanding presence between the sticks, recording eight clean sheets and steering the Lambs to a top-half finish in the National League. His leadership and consistency were pivotal throughout a solid campaign for the club.
Defenders: Experience and Youth Combine
Leicester City’s Asmita Ale earns her fourth consecutive Team of the Season nod after making 21 appearances in the WSL, underscoring her status as a durable and dependable full-back. Veteran Danny Batth rolled back the years at Derby County, playing a key role in an unfancied side that narrowly missed out on the Championship play-offs, finishing eighth.
At the other end of the career spectrum, Kam Kandola enjoyed his most productive season yet, featuring 38 times for Kidderminster Harriers as they clinched promotion to the National League via the play-offs — a campaign that earned him a move to Hereford. Mal Benning rounded out the backline after regaining his place at Shrewsbury Town; he celebrated his 500th professional appearance and helped the Shrews preserve their League Two status.
Midfielders: Invincible Streaks and World Cup Trailblazers
Millie Chandarana became an 'Invincible' for the second straight year as Burnley stormed to an unbeaten league title and promotion to Women's Super League 2. The midfielder recently signed a new deal, cementing her key role in the Clarets’ rise.
Meanwhile, Hamza Choudhury featured in 32 matches for Leicester City during a difficult Premier League season but ignited on the international stage, scoring on his home debut for Bangladesh and becoming an instant national hero. Perhaps the most historic achievement belonged to Zidane Iqbal: the FC Utrecht midfielder not only appeared in the Eredivisie and Europa League but also became the first British South Asian ever to play at a World Cup, representing Iraq in all three of their group-stage matches.
Forwards: Historic Firsts and Award Winners
Yan Dhanda proved a shrewd loan signing for Dundee, making 31 appearances and helping the Dee comfortably secure their Scottish Premiership status. Mariam Mahmood enjoyed a fairytale campaign: she earned her first cap for Pakistan before joining Wrexham, where she helped the club win a historic league and cup double, becoming the first Pakistani female to lift a top-division European title.
Finally, Dilan Markanday claimed Chesterfield’s Player of the Year award after netting eight goals and providing six assists, despite the Spireites narrowly missing out on a League Two play-off berth.
Key Takeaways
- British South Asian players are now firmly embedded across the full spectrum of English and Scottish football, from the WSL to League Two.
- Zidane Iqbal’s World Cup appearance for Iraq marks a groundbreaking moment for the community.
- Millie Chandarana’s second successive invincible season with Burnley highlights the growing influence in the women's game.
- Veteran experience and emerging youth talent are equally represented, with players like Danny Batth and Kam Kandola making key contributions.
- Historic achievements, such as Mariam Mahmood’s title with Wrexham, continue to inspire the next generation.
Quick Facts
Players retained from last season: 9
Leagues represented: WSL, Championship, League Two, National League, Scottish Premiership, Eredivisie, Women's Super League 2
World Cup debutants: 1 (Zidane Iqbal)
New internationals: Mariam Mahmood (Pakistan), Hamza Choudhury (Bangladesh)
Age range: 18 to 34
Source: Sky Sports Football