Manchester City's Phil Foden and Bunny Shaw were among the biggest winners at this year’s PFA awards, which were held on Tuesday evening. Foden, 24, was instrumental in City winning a fourth consecutive Premier League title, scoring 19 times and providing eight assists. His achievements were recognized by his fellow professionals, who voted him the PFA Players’ Player of the Year (Male). Shaw, meanwhile, won the PFA Players’ Player of the Year (Female) award after finishing as the top scorer in the Women's Super League with 21 goals.
The PFA Awards: Recognizing Excellence in English Football
The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) awards are held annually to celebrate the best players and performances in English football across the top four divisions. The awards are voted on by the players themselves, making them a particularly prestigious honor. This year's ceremony was held at The Opera House in Manchester, bringing together players, ex-professionals, and managers from the Premier League, Championship, League One, and League Two.
Men's Awards: Foden Dominates, Palmer Shines
Foden's win for PFA Men’s Player of the Year was a fitting tribute to his outstanding season. He beat out stiff competition from the likes of Erling Haaland, Rodri, Martin Odegaard, Ollie Watkins, and Cole Palmer. Foden expressed his gratitude for the honor, saying: “To win this award is something very special and it is one that I am very proud of and grateful for.” He also acknowledged the collective effort that went into Manchester City's success: “To be recognized this way by your fellow professionals means everything and I would like to thank everyone who voted for me. Last season was another very special one for everyone at the club, but now all our focus is concentrated on trying to achieve more success this term.”
The PFA Young Player of the Year award was also a City affair, with Cole Palmer winning the prize after a breakout season at Chelsea. Palmer's move to Stamford Bridge saw him lead the Premier League in goal contributions, scoring 22 goals and providing 11 assists. Despite the success of his inaugural campaign, Palmer was not included in the PFA Team of the Year. His award marks the third time a Chelsea player has been recognized with the prestigious accolade, following in the footsteps of Scott Parker in 2003-04 and Eden Hazard in 2013-14.
Women's Awards: Shaw's Scorching Form, Clinton's Loan Success
Khadijah Shaw's dominance in the Women's Super League was undeniable, and her PFA Women’s Player of the Year award was a well-deserved recognition of her accomplishments. She became the first female City player to receive the honor since Lucy Bronze in 2016-17. Shaw's goalscoring prowess was crucial to Manchester City's success, despite her season being cut short by a foot injury. She was named the FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year at the end of the 2023-24 season, adding to her trophy cabinet.
Grace Clinton, on loan at Tottenham last season, won the PFA Young Player of the Year award for her impressive performances in the WSL. She was instrumental in Spurs' impressive run, scoring four goals and adding four assists to help the team secure a sixth-place finish and their first-ever FA Cup final appearance. This marked a significant milestone for Spurs, as Clinton became the first player from their women's team to receive a PFA award since the WSL's inception in 2012.
Beyond the Premier League: Championship, League One, and League Two Honors
The PFA awards extend beyond the Premier League, recognizing outstanding performances in the Championship, League One, and League Two. In the Championship, Crysencio Summerville was named the PFA Championship Player of the Year for his impressive contributions to Leeds United. Summerville's standout season saw him contribute 20 goals and nine assists in 46 league appearances, leading Leeds to the play-off final. He joined West Ham United this summer.
Alfie May's goalscoring prowess in League One was recognized with the PFA League One Player of the Year award. His 23 goals for Charlton Athletic, despite their 16th-place finish, solidified his status as the division's top scorer. May moved to Birmingham City ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
Notts County's Jodi Jones won the PFA League Two Player of the Year award after registering a remarkable 23 assists in 43 appearances. Despite Notts County's faltering promotion push, Jones's contributions earned him a place in the team of the season, showcasing his impact in the division.
A Celebration of English Football's Talent
The PFA Awards are a testament to the talent and dedication of players across all levels of English football. From the Premier League's stars to the rising talents in the lower leagues, the awards provide a platform to celebrate the individuals who make the game so compelling. As the new season begins, the PFA awards serve as a reminder of the exceptional talent and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in the world of English football.
The PFA Team of the Year also showcased the top performers from the Premier League, featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young stars:
- Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal)
- Defenders: Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Gabriel (Arsenal), William Saliba (Arsenal), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
- Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Rodri (Manchester City), Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
- Forwards: Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Phil Foden (Manchester City)
The PFA awards are a significant event in the English football calendar, highlighting the achievements of players across various leagues. It’s a celebration of the talent and dedication that drives the sport forward, and it’s a reminder of the excitement and passion that English football brings to the world.
