Phil Foden, Cole Palmer claim PFA awards

Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden has clinched the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Men’s Player of the Year award, while Chelsea winger Cole Palmer was honoured as the Young Player of the Year.

This is the first time since the 2009/10 season that both men’s awards have been won by English players, echoing the achievements of Wayne Rooney and James Milner, who claimed the Player and Young Player of the Year titles, respectively, that season.

Foden had an outstanding 2023/24 campaign, netting 19 goals in 35 Premier League appearances as City clinched their historic fourth consecutive Premier League title. At just 23 years old, he became the youngest player to win six league titles.

This marks Foden’s first PFA Player of the Year award, adding to his accolades of two PFA Young Player of the Year titles, the 2023/24 Premier League Player of the Season award, and the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year award.

Foden triumphed over strong competition, including his Manchester City teammates Erling Haaland, last year’s winner, and Rodri, as well as Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.

Palmer, a 22-year-old forward, enjoyed a breakout season with Chelsea, scoring 22 goals in the league. His impressive performances earned him a spot in the England squad for Euro 2024, where he scored in the final.

Palmer beat Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, Manchester United duo Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, former Crystal Palace player Michael Olise, and Brighton’s Joao Pedro to claim the Young Player prize.