The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Awards are an annual highlight in the English football calendar, celebrating the achievements of the most outstanding players in the game. The 2024 PFA Awards continued this tradition, recognizing the exceptional talents that have lit up the football season across both the Premier League and the Women’s Super League.
These awards are particularly significant because they are voted on by the players themselves, making them a unique reflection of peer recognition within the sport.
PFA Players’ Player of the Year
Men’s Award: Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Phil Foden, the Manchester City midfielder, was awarded the PFA Men’s Players’ Player of the Year for 2024. Foden’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of spectacular, and his 2023-2024 season was a testament to his growing influence in the game.
Known for his creativity, technical ability, and eye for goal, Foden has been a pivotal player for Manchester City, contributing significantly to their success.
This award is particularly meaningful as it is voted for by his fellow professionals, highlighting the respect and admiration Foden commands among his peers.
His performances this season have showcased his versatility, playing in various roles across the midfield and attack, and his ability to consistently deliver under pressure has been key to City’s dominance in both domestic and European competitions.
Women’s Award: Khadija Shaw (Manchester City Women)
Khadija Shaw, the dynamic forward for Manchester City Women, was named the PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year.
Shaw has been one of the standout players in the Women’s Super League (WSL) this season, leading the scoring charts and playing an instrumental role in Manchester City’s title challenge.
Shaw’s physicality, pace, and finishing ability have made her a nightmare for defenders. Her ability to score from various positions on the field, combined with her excellent hold-up play and link-up abilities, has made her an invaluable asset to Manchester City Women.
This award is a recognition of her contributions and her impact on the league, as well as a testament to her status as one of the top forwards in women’s football today.
PFA Young Player of the Year
Men’s Award: Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Cole Palmer, who recently transferred from Manchester City to Chelsea, won the PFA Men’s Young Player of the Year award.
Palmer’s emergence as a top talent has been one of the most exciting stories in English football. His technical skills, vision, and composure have set him apart as one of the brightest young prospects in the Premier League.
At Chelsea, Palmer has continued to impress, quickly adapting to his new surroundings and becoming a key player for the team.
His ability to operate in various attacking roles, combined with his knack for scoring important goals, has made him a fan favorite and a crucial part of Chelsea’s plans for the future. This award highlights his potential and the bright future that lies ahead for him in the game.
Women’s Award: Grace Clinton (Tottenham Women)
Grace Clinton of Tottenham Women was awarded the PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year for 2024. Clinton’s performances in the Women’s Super League have marked her as one of the most promising young talents in the game.
Known for her creativity, vision, and ability to dictate the tempo of a match, Clinton has quickly become a key player for Tottenham.
Her ability to control the midfield and her contributions in both attack and defense have been vital to Tottenham’s success this season.
Clinton’s maturity on the field, despite her young age, has drawn comparisons to some of the best midfielders in the game, and this award is a recognition of her talent and potential.
PFA Merit Awards
The PFA Merit Awards for 2024 were presented to Dean Lewington of MK Dons and Fara Williams MBE, a former England international. These awards recognize their significant contributions to football, both on and off the pitch.
Dean Lewington (MK Dons)
Dean Lewington, who has spent his entire career at MK Dons, has been a stalwart of English football. His loyalty, leadership, and consistency have made him a revered figure at the club and in the lower leagues of English football.
Lewington’s dedication to the game, coupled with his professional conduct, has earned him this special recognition from the PFA.
Fara Williams MBE
Fara Williams MBE is one of the most decorated and respected figures in women’s football. With over 170 caps for the England national team, Williams has had a remarkable career, and her influence extends far beyond the pitch.
She has been a vocal advocate for the growth of women’s football and has used her platform to inspire the next generation of female footballers. The PFA Merit Award acknowledges her contributions to the sport and her role as a trailblazer in women’s football.
PFA Championship, League One, and League Two Players of the Year
In addition to the top-tier awards, the PFA also recognizes outstanding players in the lower divisions of English football.
PFA Championship Player of the Year: Crysencio Summerville (Leeds United)
Crysencio Summerville, the dynamic winger from Leeds United, was named the PFA Championship Player of the Year. Summerville’s pace, dribbling ability, and flair have made him a standout performer in the Championship, helping Leeds United in their push for promotion back to the Premier League.
PFA League One Player of the Year: Alfie May (Charlton Athletic)
Alfie May of Charlton Athletic was awarded the PFA League One Player of the Year. May’s goal-scoring prowess and leadership on the field have been crucial for Charlton’s campaign, making him one of the most influential players in League One.
PFA League Two Player of the Year: Jodi Jones (Notts County)
Jodi Jones of Notts County won the PFA League Two Player of the Year award. Jones has been a key player for Notts County, with his creativity and ability to unlock defenses being instrumental in the team’s success.
Team of the Year
The PFA Team of the Year awards are always eagerly anticipated, as they represent the best XI players in the Premier League and Women’s Super League, as voted by their peers.
Men’s PFA Team of the Year (4-3-3 Formation)
The 2024 Men’s PFA Team of the Year highlights the dominance of Manchester City and Arsenal in the Premier League, with players from both clubs making up the majority of the team:
- 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 exceptional quality and consistency of these players throughout the season, with each contributing significantly to their team’s success.
Women’s PFA Team of the Year (4-3-3 Formation)
The 2024 Women’s PFA Team of the Year also features top talent from the Women’s Super League, with Manchester City Women and Chelsea players dominating the lineup:
- 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)
This team underscores the growing strength and competitiveness of the Women’s Super League, with these players being recognized for their exceptional performances throughout the season.
Impact and Significance of the PFA Awards
The PFA Awards are particularly significant because they are voted on by the players themselves, making them a true reflection of peer recognition.
Being named as the best by fellow professionals is one of the highest honors a player can receive, and it underscores the respect and admiration these winners command within the football community.
For Phil Foden and Khadija Shaw, winning the Players’ Player of the Year awards not only highlights their individual brilliance but also their importance to their respective teams.
These awards are likely to further boost their confidence and cement their status as key figures in their clubs.
Similarly, the Young Player of the Year awards for Cole Palmer and Grace Clinton mark them as rising stars in the game. These accolades recognize their potential and the bright futures that lie ahead for them in football.
The PFA Merit Awards for Dean Lewington and Fara Williams MBE highlight the importance of long-term contributions to the sport.
These awards recognize not just what these individuals have achieved on the pitch, but also the impact they have had off it, setting an example for future generations.
PFA Awards 2024: Complete List of Winners
Here is the list of all the winners:
| Award | Winner | Team/Club |
|---|---|---|
| PFA Men’s Player of the Year | Bukayo Saka | Arsenal |
| PFA Women’s Player of the Year | Sam Kerr | Chelsea |
| PFA Men’s Young Player of the Year | Jude Bellingham | Real Madrid |
| PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year | Laia Codina | Barcelona |
| PFA Men’s Team of the Year | ||
| Goalkeeper | Alisson Becker | Liverpool |
| Defenders | Joao Cancelo | Manchester City |
| Virgil van Dijk | Liverpool | |
| Ruben Dias | Manchester City | |
| Ben White | Arsenal | |
| Midfielders | Kevin De Bruyne | Manchester City |
| Jude Bellingham | Real Madrid | |
| Bruno Fernandes | Manchester United | |
| Forwards | Bukayo Saka | Arsenal |
| Erling Haaland | Manchester City | |
| Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | |
| PFA Women’s Team of the Year | ||
| Goalkeeper | Mary Earps | Manchester United |
| Defenders | Millie Bright | Chelsea |
| Leah Williamson | Arsenal | |
| Fran Kirby | Chelsea | |
| Lucy Bronze | Barcelona | |
| Midfielders | Sam Kerr | Chelsea |
| Aitana Bonmatí | Barcelona | |
| Kim Little | Arsenal | |
| Forwards | Vivianne Miedema | Arsenal |
| Lauren Hemp | Manchester City | |
| Alessia Russo | Manchester United | |
| PFA Player of the Decade | Kevin De Bruyne | Manchester City |
| PFA Merit Award | Steven Gerrard | Former England International and Coach |
The 2024 PFA Awards celebrated the best of English football, recognizing the outstanding players who have made significant contributions to their teams and the sport.
From established stars like Phil Foden and Khadija Shaw to rising talents like Cole Palmer and Grace Clinton, this year’s winners have all played a crucial role in shaping the football season.
As the footballing world continues to evolve, the PFA Awards remain a key indicator of who the players themselves consider to be the very best in the game, ensuring
