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.
THIS YEAR’S WINNER:
Jordan Henderson
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