Chelsea and England forward Fran Kirby has been voted the Footballer Writers’ Association’s Women’s Footballer of the Year.

Kirby has scored 25 goals in all competitions this season for the FA Women’s Super League winners, who have reached the Women’s Champions League final, where they will play Barcelona in Gothenburg on May 16.

The 27-year-old was the unanimous choice of a panel of more than 30 football writers who specialise in the women’s game.

Chelsea’s Australian striker Sam Kerr, the WSL’s Golden Boot winner with 21 goals, was second in the FWA vote, with Manchester City and England winger Chloe Kelly third.

Chair of the FWA’s women’s sub-committee Jen O’Neill said: “To have overcome a serious health condition and return in such sparkling form is admirable and inspiring.

“Several players, including many of her Chelsea team-mates, have been outstanding in a superb WSL season – but there are fewer more joyful sights in football than a smiling, fit and firing Fran Kirby.”