Manchester City and England star Phil Foden has been crowned the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year, picking up 42 per cent of the vote.
Foden, 23, has enjoyed his best season to date amid City’s push for an astonishing fourth successive Premier League title, emerging Pep Guardiola’s most important player with 24 goals and ten assists across all competitions with five games to go.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice finished second in the vote behind Foden, while his Manchester City team-mate Rodri was third.
The England international is hoping to end his superb campaign with two domestic trophies, with City in control of the Premier League title race against Arsenal and favourites over rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final at the end of the month.
His team-mate Erling Haaland claimed the historic award last term after smashing the Premier League scoring record with 36 goals in his debut season at the Etihad, while Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah won FWA Footballer of the Year in 2021-22.
Man City’s Phil Foden has been crowned Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year
Foden takes over from Erling Haaland (left), who won the honour in his superb debut season at Manchester City last term, smashing the Premier League goal record for a single campaign
Foden becomes the first Englishman to win the award since 2020, when former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson earned the honour for marshalling the Reds to a first league title in 30 years.
During his exclusive interview with Mail Sport last month, Foden admitted that he wants to be considered as one of the best players in England and pick up individual honours as a result.
‘I hope I am up there in the conversation,’ the City star said, when asked about the prospect of winning individual awards.
‘I am not gonna lie. I want to be one of the best Premier League players this season. I think I have the ability.’
Of those fighting for the Premier League Golden Boot, only Ollie Watkins has scored more than Foden this season without penalties, with the Aston Villa striker netting 19 from open play compared to his 16.
By comparison, during Manchester City’s Treble-winning campaign last season, Foden netted eight Premier League goals, with just 15 across all competitions.
Foden has been instrumental for City this season, netting 24 goals in all competitions so far
Jordan Henderson picked up the award in 2020 after guiding Liverpool to the league title
Foden, 23, is steering Pep Guardiola’s side to a record fourth successive Premier League title
City take on Wolves, Fulham, Tottenham and West Ham in their final four Premier League games this season, with leaders Arsenal currently a point ahead having played an extra match over the reigning champions.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal face a run-in of Bournemouth, Manchester United and Everton on the final day of the season.
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