Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden has been crowned the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Men's Player of the Year, while Chelsea's Cole Palmer took home the Young Player of the Year award.
This achievement marks a notable moment in English football, as it’s the first time since the 2009-10 season that both awards have been won by English players. The last time this occurred, Wayne Rooney and James Milner were the recipients of the Player and Young Player of the Year awards, respectively.
Foden, who has been pivotal in City’s continued dominance, expressed his pride and gratitude upon 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. He emphasised the significance of being recognized by fellow professionals and thanked everyone who voted for him.
Foden’s 2023-24 season was nothing short of spectacular. The 23-year-old scored 19 goals in 35 Premier League appearances, playing a key role in City securing their fourth consecutive Premier League title.
His contribution made him the youngest player to have won six league titles, further solidifying his place among the elite in English football. In addition to the PFA award, Foden also claimed the Premier League Player of the Season and the Football Writers' Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year honours.
He beat out strong competition from his City teammates Erling Haaland and Rodri, as well as Arsenal's Martin Ødegaard, Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, and Chelsea's Cole Palmer.
Palmer Recognised After High-Scoring Season
While Palmer narrowly missed out on the main PFA award, he did not leave empty-handed. The 22-year-old forward was named the PFA Young Player of the Year following a remarkable debut season with Chelsea, where he scored 22 goals in 34 Premier League appearances.
Palmer’s impressive form earned him a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad, and he even scored in the final, where England narrowly lost 2-1 to Spain. Palmer’s award is a testament to his rapid rise in English football, having outperformed other young talents like Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, former Crystal Palace player Michael Olise, and Brighton's João Pedro.
Premier League Team of the Year
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 Ødegaard (Arsenal)
Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
This year’s PFA awards highlighted the incredible talent within English football, with Foden and Palmer leading the way. Their individual successes are a reflection of their hard work and the bright future of English football.
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