It was Charles Buchan, the publisher and writer of Football Monthly as well as one of the founding fathers of the FWA, who suggested that an award should be given “to the professional player who by precept and example is considered by a ballot of members to be the footballer of the year.”

That was back in 1947 and since then the Footballer of the Year Award has become the most prestigious award in the British game.

Voted for year on year by the FWA members, the first recipient was the legendary Sir Stanley Matthews and ever since players have been honoured for their achievements.

Jordan Henderson was voted the Footballer of the Year for 2020 by the Football Writers’ Association.

The Liverpool midfielder beat competition from Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, the runner-up, and Marcus Rashford of Manchester United, who came third.

Jordan Henderson of Liverpool FC receives the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year trophy from FWA Chair Carrie Brown. Photo:  Dave Thompson/PA Wire

 

 

Previous Winners – Footballer of the year

Women’s Footballer of the Year Award

This award was set up in 2018 to honour the best women footballers playing in England. The inaugural winner was Fran Kirby of Chelsea, and 2019’s winner was Nikita Parris of Manchester City.

THIS YEAR’S WINNER

Vivianne Miedema

Arsenal and Netherlands striker Vivianne Miedema was a deserved winner in a poll of FWA members who regularly cover women’s football. She was runner-up in 2019.

Arsenal’s Vivianne Miedema, FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year 2020

FWA Tribute Award

The FWA Tribute Award is presented on an annual basis to an individual that the committee feels has made an outstanding contribution to the national game.

The Award is traditionally presented at a gala dinner at The Savoy hotel in January.