Man City’s Foden crowned PFA player of the year after stellar season

Palmer clinches Young Player of the Year, while Shaw and Clinton also shine with top honours in their categories

LONDON:

Phil Foden, the England midfielder for Manchester City, was awarded the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Player of the Year on Tuesday. This recognition follows his pivotal role in helping his team secure a record fourth consecutive Premier League title. The 24-year-old impressed throughout the season, scoring 27 goals across 53 matches in all competitions. Under the management of Pep Guardiola, Manchester City also claimed the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup titles, and finished as FA Cup runners-up.

Expressing his gratitude, Foden remarked, "Winning this award is incredibly special, and I am both proud and thankful. Being recognised by fellow players is truly meaningful, and I owe a great deal of thanks to those who voted for me. I would particularly like to thank Pep, the City coaching staff, and my teammates for their continuous support and help in improving every day."

Foden outshone competition from his Manchester City teammates Erling Haaland, the previous year's winner, and Rodri, as well as from Chelsea's Cole Palmer, Arsenal's Martin Odegaard, and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins.

Foden also extended his congratulations to his teammates Kyle Walker, Rodrigo, and Erling Haaland, who were named in the PFA Team of the Year, acknowledging their exceptional quality.

In other awards, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, aged 22, was named Young Player of the Year after an outstanding debut season with 22 goals in 34 Premier League appearances. Meanwhile, Manchester City's Khadija Shaw was honoured as Women's Player of the Year, with Grace Clinton receiving the Young Player of the Year award following her impressive loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur from Manchester United.