Football Writers' Association
AWARDS
THE FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR AWARD:
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:
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Mo Salah won his third title, a record shared with Thierry Henry, when he was voted our Footballer of the Year in May 2025.
The ‘Egyptian King’ won last season’s Golden Boot as he helped Liverpool win the Premier League title for the second time, and top flight title for the 20th time.
He said:
Mo Salah said: “It’s incredible. It is special to win this award, from the writers.”
When reminded he had equalled Henry’s record, he said: “Let’s try to win it one more time and be the only four-time winner.”
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. Viivenne Miedema, Arsenal’s Dutch striker, won the award in 2020 and Fran Kirby (Chelsea) in 2021.
THIS YEAR’S WINNER:
Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
Alessia Russo celebrated becoming our Women’s Footballer of the Year before heading off to Lisbon to win the Women’s Champions League as Arsenal beat Barcelona 1-0, and then going on to help England win their second successive European Championship as the Lionesses beat Spain on penalties in Basel, scoring England’s crucial equalising goal in the final.
The former Manchester United striker was joint Golden Boot winner with Bunny Shaw, our 2024 Footballer of the Year, on 12 goals in the WSL last season, as Arsenal finished second.
Russo said: “I feel really humbled and honoured to win this award. As a striker you really those around you, so I am grateful to my team-mates and my family too.”
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 in January.
THIS YEAR’S WINNER:
Sarina Wiegman was the recipient of our Tribute Award in January 2025 for her contribution to English football, most notably leading the Lionesses to back-to-back European Championship victories.
The Dutch coach was guest of honour and her captain Leah Williamson spoke about her unique management style and successes, which also included taking England to a World Cup final.
Full report here:
