Phil Foden and Cole Palmer Win Prestigious PFA Awards

 

Phil Foden and Cole Palmer Win Prestigious PFA Awards

Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden has been named the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) men's player of the year, while Chelsea winger Cole Palmer has clinched the young player of the year award.

This marks the first time since the 2009-10 season that both top PFA awards have been won by English players. Back then, Wayne Rooney and James Milner took home the accolades for player and young player of the year, respectively.

Foden, who enjoyed a stellar season with City, expressed his pride and gratitude upon receiving the award. "To win this award is something very special and I am very proud of it," said Foden. "Being recognized by your fellow professionals means everything to me, and I’d like to thank everyone who voted for me."

In the 2023-24 season, Foden scored 19 goals in 35 Premier League appearances, helping Manchester City secure their fourth consecutive league title. At 23, he has now become the youngest player in history to win six league titles. This achievement adds to his impressive haul, which includes the Premier League player of the season and Football Writers' Association (FWA) footballer of the year titles from the same season.

Foden outperformed his City teammates Erling Haaland, last year’s award winner, and Rodri, as well as Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, who were also on the shortlist for this year's PFA award.

Palmer, who was recognized as the young player of the year, has had a breakthrough season, further solidifying his rising status in English football.

The awards highlight an exceptional year for English footballers and reflect the growing impact of domestic talent in the Premier League and beyond.