The Daily Star Ireland
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has cemented his place in English football history after being named the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Men’s Player of the Year for a record third time. The Egyptian international, now 33, becomes the first player ever to secure the award on three occasions, underlining his enduring influence at the very top of the game.
Salah’s Record-Breaking Season
Salah’s 2024/25 campaign was one of his finest, delivering 29 goals and 18 assists as Arne Slot’s Liverpool clinched the Premier League title in dominant fashion. His performances not only inspired his team but also saw him win the overwhelming backing of his fellow professionals in the PFA vote.
This latest accolade adds to an already glittering individual collection, including his third Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year prize earlier in the year. By doing so, Salah matches legends of the game in FWA recognition and stands alone in PFA history, a testament to his consistency and longevity at the elite level.
Caldentey Shines in Women’s Football
On the women’s side, Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey was crowned PFA Women’s Player of the Year. The Spanish forward, who arrived from Barcelona last summer, enjoyed a sensational debut season in England. Scoring 19 goals across competitions, Caldentey played a decisive role in Arsenal’s Champions League triumph, notably against her former club in the final.
Her teammate Olivia Smith, a recent world-record signing, was also honored. Smith collected the PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year award following a breakout campaign at Liverpool before her transfer to North London.
Rising Stars: Rogers and Smith
In the men’s category, Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers claimed the PFA Men’s Young Player of the Year award. The dynamic midfielder not only enjoyed a breakthrough season at club level but also earned his first England call-up, highlighting his growing reputation.
PFA Teams of the Year
Salah was one of five Liverpool players included in the 2024/25 Premier League Team of the Year. He was joined by Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and summer signing Milos Kerkez. Arsenal were also well represented, with defensive duo William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães alongside midfielder Declan Rice earning spots.
Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels and Chris Wood received recognition for their standout campaigns, while Newcastle striker Alexander Isak was rewarded for his prolific form despite uncertainty over his future. However, notable absentees included Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, both shortlisted for top honors but missing out on the XI.
In the Women’s Super League selection, Arsenal once again featured prominently. Caldentey, Alessia Russo, Emily Fox, and Kim Little were all included. Champions Chelsea contributed Erin Cuthbert and Millie Bright, while Manchester City’s Yui Hasegawa and Mary Fowler and Manchester United trio Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Maya Le Tissier, and Jayde Riviere completed the lineup.
Recognition Across the Leagues
The PFA also acknowledged standout performers from the lower divisions. James Trafford, now at Manchester City, became the first goalkeeper ever to win Championship Player of the Year after a stellar season with Burnley that secured promotion.
In League One, Wycombe’s Richard Kone capped his first full professional season with 21 goals, earning him Player of the Year honors before his move to QPR. Meanwhile, Bromley’s Michael Cheek made an immediate impact in the EFL, scoring 25 goals to help his side secure promotion and claiming the League Two Player of the Year award.
What This Means for English Football
Salah’s unprecedented third PFA award highlights his status as one of the Premier League’s all-time greats, while the recognition for Caldentey and Smith underlines the rapid growth and competitiveness of women’s football in England. The spread of awards across the leagues also showcases the depth of talent throughout the English game, from the Premier League to League Two.
