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:

Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

 

 

Erling Haaland was voted Footballer of the Year in May 2023 with an overwhelming majority – 82 per cent – of votes.  The Manchester City striker finished ahead of Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, with his team Kevin De Bruyne coming fourth and Marcus Rashford in fifth.   

The Norwegian international said:

“To win the Football Writers’ Association award in my first season in English football is an honour. I try every single day to be the best I can be, and to be recognised like this means a lot to me.

“I have loved my time at City so far – my teammates are incredible, and they provide me with the chances to score goals. I want to thank all of them, because I could not have won this award without them.”

 

 

 

 

Ruben Dias

 

Ruben Dias was voted the Footballer of the Year for 2021 by the Football Writers’ Association. He has had an outstanding first season, helping City win the Premier League and Carabao Cup , as well as reaching the Champions League final.

 

The Manchester City and Portugal defender beat competition from runner-up Harry Kane of Tottenham and England, while Kevin De Bruyne, also of City, came third.

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. Viivenne Miedema, Arsenal’s Dutch striker, won the award in 2020 and Fran Kirby (Chelsea) in 2021.

THIS YEAR’S WINNER:

Sam Kerr (Chelsea)

Chelsea and Australia striker Sam Kerr was voted the FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year for the second season in succession, having picked up the award in 2022.  

She said: “I’m really honoured to win the award. A lot of people still doubt me, no matter how many goals I score, how much I do for the team, how many big games I score in. That kind of fires me up.

“So thank-you very much to the people that voted for me, I could not do it without this amazing team. It’s very humbling, and Emma Hayes tells me all the time what an amazing award it is, so I’m very proud to win it.”

Previous Winners – Women's Footballer of the Year Award

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:

Yaya Touré won the 2023 Tribute Award for his achievements during his illustrious career with Barcelona and Manchester City, among others.  The former Ivory Coast international was one of the best midfielders to have played in the Premier League era, and was a popular choice for this award. 

Yaya Toure honoured with FWA Tribute Award

 

 

Previous Winners – Tribute

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