Foden Named PFA Player of the Year, Palmer Wins Young Player Award

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 men's awards have been given to English players. During that season, Wayne Rooney and James Milner received the Player and Young Player of the Year awards, respectively.

Foden, reflecting on his achievement, stated, "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."

Foden scored 19 goals in 35 Premier League appearances during the 2023-24 season, helping Manchester City secure a historic fourth consecutive league title. At the age of 23, he has become the youngest player to win six league titles. This is Foden's first time being named PFA Player of the Year; he had previously been honored as the best young player twice. Additionally, Foden was named Premier League Player of the Season and Football Writers' Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year.

Foden's competitors for the award included Manchester City teammates Erling Haaland, who won the award last year, and Rodri, as well as Chelsea's Palmer, Arsenal's Martin Odegaard, and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins.

Palmer, aged 22, enjoyed a standout season, scoring 22 goals in 34 Premier League matches in his debut season with Chelsea. His impressive form earned him a place in the England squad for Euro 2024, where he scored in the final, though England was defeated 2-1 by Spain. Palmer beat Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, former Crystal Palace player Michael Olise, and Brighton's Joao Pedro to win the Young Player of the Year award.

In the women's categories, Manchester City's Khadija Shaw won the Player of the Year award, and Manchester United's Grace Clinton was named Young Player of the Year.

The Premier League Team of the Year, as voted by players, featured a strong representation from Manchester City and Arsenal. The team includes: