Manchester City's England midfielder Phil Foden was honored with the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Player of the Year award on Tuesday, following his contribution to the club's achievement of a record fourth consecutive Premier League title. The 24-year-old contributed 27 goals in 53 appearances across all competitions last season, as Pep Guardiola's City also secured the Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup, and reached the FA Cup final.
"Winning this award is incredibly special, and I am deeply proud and thankful for it," Foden expressed. "Being acknowledged by fellow players is everything, and I extend my gratitude to everyone who supported me. I also want to specifically thank Pep, the City coaching staff, and all my teammates for their continuous support in my development."
Foden's victory was against strong contenders including City's Erling Haaland, the previous year's winner, Rodri, Chelsea's Cole Palmer, Arsenal's Martin Odegaard, and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins. "I'd also like to congratulate Kyle Walker, Rodrigo, and Erling for being selected in the PFA Team of the Year; it's wonderful to see their exceptional skills recognized," he added.
Chelsea winger Palmer, aged 22, was awarded the Young Player of the Year, having scored 22 goals in 34 Premier League appearances in his debut season with the London club after departing from City. Meanwhile, City's Khadija Shaw was named Women's Player of the Year, with Grace Clinton receiving the Young Player of the Year award after her impressive loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur from Manchester United.
