Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden has been awarded the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) men's player of the year, while Chelsea winger Cole Palmer has been named the young player of the year.
This marks the first time since the 2009-10 season that both PFA men’s awards have been won by English players. During that season, Wayne Rooney and James Milner received the player and young player of the year awards, respectively.
Foden expressed his pride in winning the award, stating, "To win this award is something very special and it is one that I am very proud of and grateful for. To be recognised this way by your fellow professionals means everything and I would like to thank everyone who voted for me. Last season was another very special one for everyone at the club, but now all our focus is concentrated on trying to achieve more success this term."
In the 2023-24 season, Foden scored 19 goals in 35 Premier League appearances as Manchester City secured their fourth consecutive Premier League title. At 23, he became the youngest player to win six league titles. This is Foden’s first PFA player of the year award, following two previous young player of the year awards. He also secured the Premier League player of the season and Football Writers' Association (FWA) footballer of the year awards.
Foden won the award over City teammates Erling Haaland, who won last year, and Rodri, as well as Chelsea’s Palmer, Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, who were also shortlisted.
Palmer, despite missing out on the top award, received recognition for his outstanding performance. The 22-year-old scored 22 goals in 34 Premier League appearances during his debut season with Chelsea. His form earned him a place in the England squad for Euro 2024, where he scored in the final, although England lost 2-1 to Spain.
Palmer secured the young player award ahead of Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, former Crystal Palace player Michael Olise, and Brighton’s Joao Pedro.
In the women's categories, Manchester City's Khadija Shaw was named player of the year, and Manchester United’s Grace Clinton was awarded young player of the year.
The Premier League team of the year, as voted by players, featured a strong presence from Manchester City and Arsenal. The team included:
Goalkeeper:
- David Raya (Arsenal)
Defenders:
- William Saliba (Arsenal)
- Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
- Gabriel (Arsenal)
- Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Midfielders:
- Rodri (Manchester City)
- Declan Rice (Arsenal)
- Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
Forwards:
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
- Phil Foden (Manchester City)
- Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
