Manchester City players Phil Foden and Khadija “Bunny” Shaw have been crowned the best men’s and women’s player respectively in England by the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) at the PFA Awards on Tuesday.
This marks Foden’s second individual award after a stellar season with City in which they snagged the Premier League and made the final of the Carabao Cup, a season after doing the continental treble. Foden first won the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) award three months earlier after missing out on the Premier League award which was won by his fellow English international Cole Palmer. He is now the fourth Manchester City player in the past five years to win the award.
Both of them are not the only City players to be recognised for their outstanding seasons at the PFA awards gala on Tuesday. Premier League golden shoe winner Erling Haaland, Rodri and Kyle Walker were named in the men’s team of the year alongside Foden.
“To win this award is something very special and it is one that I am very proud of and grateful for,” said Foden in his acceptance speech.
“To be recognised this way by your fellow professionals means everything and I would like to thank everyone who voted for me.”
“I also want to pay special thanks to Pep, the City coaches and all my team mates as they help me to try and get better every single day.”
“I’d also like congratulate Kyle, Rodrigo and Erling on being voted into the PFA Team of the Year as it’s great to see their amazing quality recognised in such a way.”
“Last season was another very special one for everyone at the Club but now all our focus is concentrated on trying to achieve more success this term.”
City’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, also praise Foden after the award, saying: “Everyone here is so thrilled to see Phil win this award. To have your fellow professionals recognise you in such a way is very special.”
“Phil embodies everything we stand for at Manchester City. He is a supremely talented player but is someone who always strives to seek to improve and he is a very humble guy who is hugely popular throughout the Club.”
“We are all very proud of him.”
Palmer beat Foden to the Premier League award but still did not completely lose out at the PFAs as he was crowned the best young player. Manchester United’s Grace Clinton claimed the women’s version of the award.
Like Foden, Shaw also won the FWA women’s player of the year award for the 2023/24 Women’s Super League season, which makes her victory at the PFA her second individual accolade following a stellar season.
