Manchester City’s forward, Phil Foden, has been awarded the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Player of the Year, marking a stellar end to a remarkable season. Foden’s achievement comes as Manchester City continues to celebrate an unprecedented era of dominance in English football.
The 24-year-old played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s triumph in securing a fourth consecutive Premier League title. Last season, Foden showcased his exceptional skills, scoring 19 goals and providing eight assists, which significantly contributed to City clinching the title on the final day of the season. His performances were instrumental in City’s narrow triumph over Arsenal, highlighting his crucial role in Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Receiving the award, Foden expressed his gratitude and pride. “To win this award is something very special and it is one that I am very proud of and grateful for. To be recognized this way by your fellow professionals means everything and I would like to thank everyone who voted for me,” Foden said. He also extended his appreciation to his manager, teammates, and coaching staff, emphasizing their role in his development.
Foden’s recognition is part of a broader accolade-filled season for the young forward, who also won the 2023-24 Premier League Player of the Season award and was named the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year. His remarkable achievements underscore his importance to Manchester City and his continued growth as one of the Premier League’s brightest talents.
City’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, lauded Foden’s accomplishment, stating, “Everyone here is so thrilled to see Phil win this award. To have your fellow professionals recognize you in such a way is very special. Phil embodies everything we stand for at Manchester City. He is a supremely talented player but is someone who always strives to seek to improve. He is a very humble guy who is hugely popular throughout the Club. We are all very proud of him.”
Foden’s triumph was complemented by Chelsea forward Cole Palmer being named the PFA Young Player of the Year. Palmer’s breakout season saw him score 22 goals, placing him just behind Erling Haaland in the Premier League scoring charts. Palmer’s achievement is notable as it marks the first time since the 2009-10 season that both the senior and young player trophies have been awarded to English players, a distinction previously held by Wayne Rooney and James Milner.
The Manchester City celebration didn’t stop there. The club enjoyed a clean sweep of the main awards at the Manchester ceremony, with Khadija Shaw of Manchester City being honored as the Women’s Player of the Year. Shaw, a Jamaican forward, was the top scorer in the Women’s Super League with 21 goals, despite City narrowly missing out on the title to Chelsea.
Shaw, reflecting on her award, expressed her delight, saying, “I am both happy and proud to have received this award. To be recognized in such a way by my peers is a very special honor.” Her recognition is a testament to her outstanding contributions to Manchester City’s campaign.
As Manchester City begins their new season, Foden has already set his sights on achieving a fifth consecutive Premier League title. The team’s strong start to the season, marked by a 2-0 victory against Chelsea, suggests that they are well-prepared to continue their dominance in English football.
Overall, Foden’s PFA Player of the Year award and the clean sweep of accolades for Manchester City highlight a period of remarkable success and recognition for both the club and its players. As the season progresses, City’s focus will be on maintaining their high standards and striving for further achievements on both domestic and European stages.
