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Manchester City‘s Phil Foden has been named the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Men’s Footballer of the Year, while fellow City forward Khadija Shaw has won the Women’s Footballer of the Year award, it was announced on Friday.
Foden has emerged as one of City’s most potent attacking threats this season as Pep Guardiola’s side looks to become the first team to win the Premier League title four times in a row.
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The 23-year-old City academy graduate has scored 24 goals and registered 10 assists in all competitions so far this season, as he has taken up more central positions on the pitch to help the team navigate the absence of Kevin De Bruyne through injury.
Foden won the award with a 42% of the votes cast by FWA members and becomes the third City player in the last four years to have been named men’s Footballer of the Year after defender Rúben Dias won the award in 2021 and forward Erling Haaland last season.
He saw off competition from another City teammate, Rodri, and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice to win the prestigious award.
“Being named the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year is a huge honour,” Foden said in a statement.
“I’m very, very happy to receive this award but I could not have done it without the help of my teammates.
“We have a very special squad of players at City, and I’m privileged to be a part of that group. I want to thank all my teammates as well as Pep and the coaches for all the support and advice they have given me.
“I strive to be the best that I can be every single day and that is all down to the way the manager and my colleagues always seek to improve and get better.”
Meanwhile, Jamaica international Shaw received the greatest number of votes in the history of the women’s award, securing a 53% share to be named Women’s Footballer of the Year ahead of Chelsea forward Lauren James and City teammate Alex Greenwood.
Shaw is the Women’s Super League‘s (WSL’s) top scorer so far this season with 21 goals in a campaign in which she has become the team’s all-time top scorer.
“I am very proud and privileged to have received this award and to be recognised in this way is a special honour,” Shaw said in a statement.
“I want to also thank all of my teammates. They provide me with the chances to score goals and I could not have won this award without them.
“I also owe such a lot to Gareth [Taylor], the rest of the coaching team and everyone else here at City. It’s a pleasure to be part of such a special group.
“Many thanks to all who voted for me and to my fellow nominees. It means such a lot to have won this award. Hopefully the side can now finish off the season in style and give everyone special cause to celebrate.”
City look set to win their first WSL title since 2016 as they lead second-place Chelsea by six points with two games remaining, although Emma Hayes’ side have one game in hand.
Shaw will miss the title run-in after breaking a bone in her foot during the 5-0 win over West Ham on April 21.
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