The 2024 PFA Awards once again brought together the best talents in English football, celebrating the remarkable achievements of players across various leagues. This year’s ceremony, held in Salford, saw Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer take home the top honors, reflecting their outstanding contributions to their respective teams. With a strong presence from Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool in the Teams of the Year, the event highlighted the continued dominance of these clubs in English football.
Phil Foden Takes Home PFA Players’ Player of the Year
Phil Foden’s remarkable season with Manchester City earned him the coveted PFA Players’ Player of the Year award. Foden, who scored a career-high 19 Premier League goals and added eight assists, was instrumental in helping City secure yet another league title. His performances weren’t just limited to domestic success; Foden also played a crucial role in Manchester City’s Champions League campaign, where he scored five goals and provided three assists in just eight appearances.
The award, voted for by his fellow professionals, is a testament to Foden’s growth and consistency over the past season. Already recognized as the Premier League Player of the Season and the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year, Foden’s PFA accolade cements his status as one of the best players in the league.
Cole Palmer: PFA Young Player of the Year
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer was another standout at the 2024 PFA Awards, taking home the PFA Young Player of the Year award. The 22-year-old forward, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City for £42.5 million in 2023, had an incredible debut season at Stamford Bridge. Palmer scored 22 goals and notched 11 assists in the Premier League, making him one of the most prolific young talents in the game.
Palmer’s performances were particularly noteworthy given Chelsea’s struggles throughout the season. His ability to deliver in key moments, including a hat-trick against Manchester United and a four-goal display against Everton, showcased his potential to be a future star. The PFA Young Player of the Year award is a fitting recognition of his breakout season and positions him as a key player for Chelsea in the years to come.
Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw and Grace Clinton Dominate Women’s Awards
In the women’s categories, Manchester City’s Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw was named the PFA Players’ Women’s Player of the Year after a season that saw her excel in both domestic and international competitions. Shaw’s goal-scoring prowess and leadership on the pitch were crucial for Manchester City Women, making her a deserving winner of the award.
Tottenham’s Grace Clinton was awarded the PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year. Clinton’s dynamic performances in midfield were a highlight of Tottenham’s season, and her recognition at the PFA Awards underscores her growing influence in the Women’s Super League (WSL).
PFA Teams of the Year: Reflecting Club Dominance
The PFA Teams of the Year for both the Premier League and the FA Women’s Super League featured a strong presence from the league’s top clubs, with Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool dominating the selections.
Premier League Team of the Year 2024 (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal)
- Defenders: Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), William Saliba (Arsenal), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
- Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City), Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal), Declan Rice (Arsenal)
- Forwards: Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Phil Foden (Manchester City)
This lineup reflects the incredible performances of these players throughout the season. Manchester City’s dominance is evident, with Foden, Haaland, Walker, and Rodri all earning spots in the team. Arsenal’s strong season is also highlighted by the inclusion of Raya, Gabriel, Saliba, Ødegaard, and Rice, all of whom played pivotal roles in their team’s success.
FA WSL Team of the Year 2024 (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Khiara Keating (Manchester City)
- Defenders: Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Laia Aleixandri (Manchester City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City)
- Midfielders: Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea), Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City), Grace Clinton (Tottenham)
- Forwards: Khadija Shaw (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City)
The FA WSL Team of the Year similarly showcases the talent spread across Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham. With stars like Khadija Shaw, Lauren James, and Erin Cuthbert, the team represents the best of women’s football in England.
Other Notable Winners
The PFA Awards also recognized individual brilliance in the lower leagues. Leeds United’s Crysencio Summerville was named the Championship Player of the Year, Charlton’s Alfie May took home the League One Player of the Year award, and Jodi Jones of Notts County was honored as the League Two Player of the Year. These awards highlight the depth of talent across English football, with players making significant impacts at all levels of the game.
In addition, the PFA Merit Awards were given to MK Dons defender Dean Lewington and England legend Fara Williams MBE. Lewington’s long-standing service to his club and Williams’ incredible career with the Lionesses, where she became the most capped England player in history, were fittingly celebrated.
Conclusion: A Night to Celebrate Excellence in Football
The 2024 PFA Awards provided a platform to celebrate the very best of English football. With Phil Foden and Cole Palmer leading the honors, the event underscored the incredible talent within the Premier League and beyond. As the new season unfolds, these players will undoubtedly continue to shape the landscape of English football, with their performances setting the standard for excellence in the sport.
ALSO READ:Cole Palmer Wins PFA Young Player of the Year After Remarkable Breakthrough Season at Chelsea
