Manchester City’s midfielder Phil Foden has been named the Footballer of the Year by the English Football Writers’ Association, joining a prestigious list of past winners. The 23-year-old received 42 percent of the votes, beating out competition from Arsenal’s Declan Rice and teammate Rodri. Foden has scored an impressive 24 goals this season as Manchester City aims for a Premier League and FA Cup double. He expressed his gratitude towards his teammates for their support in achieving this honor.
Foden is the third Manchester City player in the past four years to win this prestigious award, following Ruben Dias in 2021 and Erling Haaland last year. He joins legendary footballers such as Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, George Best, and Kenny Dalglish in receiving the Footballer of the Year award. Foden’s outstanding performances on the field have earned him this recognition from the FWA’s nearly 900-strong membership.
In the women’s category, Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw, known as “Bunny,” was awarded the Women’s Footballer of the Year. Shaw, a Jamaica international, has scored 21 goals in the Women’s Super League, making her a standout performer for City. Despite an injury that will force her to miss the team’s final two games of the season, Shaw is on track to finish as the top-scorer in the WSL. She thanked her teammates for their support in helping her achieve this honor.
Shaw edged out competition from Chelsea’s Lauren James in the Women’s Footballer of the Year category, with the two players dominating the vote with a combined 80 percent. Shaw expressed her pride and privilege in receiving this award, emphasizing the importance of her teammates in providing her with opportunities to score goals. She acknowledged the role they played in her success and credited them for contributing to her win.
Both Phil Foden and Khadija Shaw have had stellar seasons, showcasing their talent and contributing significantly to their respective teams. Their individual achievements have been recognized by the Football Writers’ Association, underscoring their impact on the pitch. As Manchester City continues its pursuit of double success in the Premier League and FA Cup, the accolades earned by Foden and Shaw add to the team’s achievements this season. Their recognition is a testament to their skill, dedication, and contributions to their clubs.