Sydney FC’s night of nights celebrated another memorable season at the club’s prestigious 2026 Sky Blue Ball, with Paul Okon Junior and Willa Pearson taking out the top honours in the Isuzu-UTE A-League Men and Ninja A-League Women categories respectively.
The glittering evening recognised outstanding performances across Sydney FC’s Men’s and Women’s programs, while also introducing two new awards categories — the Players’ Player of the Year Awards and the Sydney FC MVP Award.
Paul Okon Junior capped off a breakthrough campaign by claiming the A-League Men’s Player of the Year award following a season in which the young midfielder established himself as one of the competition’s brightest talents.
“Winning this award is a very proud moment for me and my family especially with my first season in Sky Blue,” said Okon Junior.
“I’d like to thank my team-mates for the great season we had, I think we can look back and be proud of what we were able to achieve, as well as thank our coaches, our staff and our Members.”
Teenage sensation Willa Pearson was named A-League Women’s Player of the Year after another extraordinary campaign which saw her continue to break records and cement herself as one of the most exciting young players in Australian football.
“It’s really special to receive this award and I’m very grateful to my team-mates, coaches and everyone at the club,” said Pearson.
“I’ve learned so much this season and I’m excited to keep improving and helping this team push for success in the future.”
Goalkeeper Harrison Devenish-Meares claimed a double honour, winning both the A-League Men’s Players’ Player of the Year Award and the Members’ Player of the Year Award following a superb season between the sticks.
Heather Hinz was equally recognised in the Women’s program, taking home both the A-League Women’s Players’ Player of the Year Award and the Members’ Player of the Year Award after an outstanding campaign.
Emerging youngsters Tiago Quintal and Claire Corbett were recognised as the Men’s and Women’s Under 20 Players of the Year respectively, highlighting Sydney FC’s continued commitment to developing elite young talent.
Al-Hassan Toure and Riley Tanner secured the Golden Boot awards for the Men’s and Women’s teams after leading their respective goal-scoring charts throughout the season.
The Rising Star Award was presented to exciting young attacker Akol Akon following a breakout year which saw him emerge as one of Sydney FC’s brightest future prospects.
The newly introduced Sydney FC MVP Award was awarded to Sydney FC’s Digital Content Manager Robbie Szafranek recognising his outstanding contribution, professionalism and impact across the club throughout the season.
The Sky Blue Ball 2026 Winners
ALM Player of the Year – Paul Okon Junior
ALW Player of the Year – Willa Pearson
Players’ Player of the Year Men – Harrison Devenish-Meares
Players’ Player of the Year Women – Heather Hinz
ALM Under 20 Player of the Year – Tiago Quintal
ALW Under 20 Player of the Year – Claire Corbett
ALM Members Player of the Year – Harrison Devenish-Meares
ALW Members Player of the Year – Heather Hinz
ALM Golden Boot – Al-Hassan Toure
ALW Golden Boot – Riley Tanner
Rising Star Award – Akol Akon
Sydney FC MVP Award – Robbie Szafranek
