English football, Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden and Chelsea winger Cole Palmer have been honoured with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) awards for the 2023-24 season.
Foden has been named the PFA Player of the Year, while Palmer has received the Young Player of the Year award.
This is a significant moment in English football, marking the first time since the 2009-10 season that both of the PFA’s major awards have been claimed by English players. During that season, Wayne Rooney and James Milner took home the top honours.
Phil Foden, who has been a standout performer for Manchester City, was recognized for his exceptional season. The 23-year-old scored 19 goals in 35 Premier League appearances and played a key role in Manchester City’s historic fourth consecutive league title.
This achievement also made him the youngest player in Premier League history to win six league titles.
Foden expressed his gratitude and pride after receiving the award.
“To win this award is something very special and it is one that I am very proud of and grateful for,” Foden said. “To be recognized this way by your fellow professionals means everything and I would like to thank everyone who voted for me.”
The Stockport-born playmaker had previously been named the Premier League Player of the Season and the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year.
This year’s award adds another significant milestone to his burgeoning career. Foden beat out his Manchester City teammates Erling Haaland and Rodri, as well as other top players including Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
Cole Palmer, at just 22 years old, had an impressive debut season with Chelsea. He scored 22 goals in 34 Premier League matches, showcasing his potential as one of England’s brightest young talents. Palmer’s performances earned him a spot in the England squad for Euro 2024, where he scored in the final despite England’s loss to Spain.
Palmer was thrilled to win the Young Player of the Year award. He beat out 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.
“Winning this award is a dream come true,” Palmer said. “It has been an incredible season, and I’m excited about the future.”
In the women’s categories, Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw won the Player of the Year award, while Manchester United’s Grace Clinton was named the Young Player of the Year.
These awards highlight the rising stars in women’s football and the continued growth of the women’s game.
The PFA Team of the Year, as chosen by players, saw a strong representation from Manchester City and Arsenal. The team includes Manchester City’s Kyle Walker, Rodri, Erling Haaland, and Phil Foden, as well as Arsenal’s David Raya, William Saliba, Gabriel, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard. Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins also made the list.
The Team of the Year reflects the standout performances and contributions from players across the Premier League, celebrating their achievements over the past season.
