Brighton’s Fran Kirby has been nominated for the BBC Green Sport Awards in recognition for her work away from the pitch.
Kirby has received a nomination or Athlete of the Year for the first time in her career.
The veteran WSL star has been working hard away from football this year, as she partnered with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to launch a new initiative.
Kirby’s idea focuses on how being in wildlife and nature can help with mental health issues.
The former England striker has spoken at events and collaborated with Brighton on topics surrounding climate change throughout the year.
BBC will present the awards once again this year at a ceremony on Monday, October 6.
2025 BBC Green Sport Awards nominations
Athlete of the Year
- Fran Kirby
- Hannah Mills
- Hector Pardoe
Global Champion
- Hector Bellerin
- Jessie Diggins
- Sebastian Vettel
- Sophie Junge Pedersen
Pioneer
- Arsenal
- Formula E
- Jog On
- Sport England
- London Marathon
Quick start for Kirby and Brighton
Fran Kirby and Brighton have almost been faultless to start the season with just one loss in five games.
The Seagulls’ loss came at the hands of Manchester City with Kirby scoring her only goal of the season so far in the defeat.
While Kirby has only scored one this season, she has already built up a great partnership with young forward Michelle Agyemang.
Fran Kirby doing @FranKirby things… 🪄 pic.twitter.com/AMtuBAHvhd
— Brighton & Hove Albion Women (@BHAFCWomen) September 21, 2025
The teenager has got her second loan spell at Brighton off to a good start and she scored her first goal of the campaign in a 1-0 win over Everton over the weekend.
While Agyemang is coming into the start of her career, playing alongside a player as experienced as Kirby is sure to develop the 19-year-old’s game.
Kirby is now 32-year-old and her career is beginning to wind down. The former Lioness retired from international football ahead of the Euros and is already making plans for after her club career ends.
