Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden has been awarded the Professional Footballers’ Association men’s player of the year award, marking a historic moment as Chelsea’s Cole Palmer clinched the young player of the year title.
This year’s awards are notable for being the first since the 2009-10 campaign where both men’s honours have been claimed by English players. During the 2009-10 season, Wayne Rooney and James Milner secured the player and young player of the year prizes, respectively.
Expressing his gratitude, Foden stated, “To win this award is something very special and it is one that I am very proud of and grateful for. To be recognised 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.”
Foden’s outstanding performance included 19 goals in 35 top-flight appearances in the 2023-24 season, contributing to Manchester City’s historic fourth successive Premier League victory. At the age of 23, he also made history by becoming the youngest player to have clinched six league titles.
This marks Foden’s first time securing the PFA’s player of the year title, having previously been selected twice as the best young player. Additionally, he was honored with the 2023-24 Premier League player of the season award and named the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) footballer of the year.
The competition for the prestigious award was fierce, with Foden triumphing over his City team-mates Erling Haaland and Rodri, as well as Chelsea’s Palmer, Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, who were all shortlisted.
While Palmer narrowly missed out on one award, the 22-year-old enjoyed a successful season, scoring 22 goals in 34 Premier League appearances for Chelsea. His remarkable form earned him a spot in the England squad for Euro 2024, where he scored in the final, despite the Three Lions losing 2-1 to Spain. This achievement led to Palmer being named the young player of the year, surpassing competitors such as Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, former Crystal Palace player Michael Olise, and Brighton’s Joao Pedro.
In the women’s categories, Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw secured the player of the year award, with Manchester United’s Grace Clinton being named the young player of the year.
The Premier League team of the year, as voted for by players, showcased a dominance of Manchester City and Arsenal players. The lineup featured Kyle Walker, Rodri, Erling Haaland, and Phil Foden from the reigning champions, alongside David Raya, William Saliba, Gabriel, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard from Arsenal. Lastly, Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins completed the team.
Goalkeeper
David Raya (Arsenal)
Defenders
William Saliba (Arsenal)
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Gabriel (Arsenal)
Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Midfielders
Rodri (Manchester City)
Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
Forwards
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
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