The English Football Writers’ Association awarded Phil Foden of Manchester City Footballer of the Year on Friday. Khadija Shaw of the same team won the women’s title.
Foden, an offensive midfielder for England, joins a list of well-known players that includes Kenny Dalglish, Bobby Charlton, Stanley Matthews, and George Best.
After Erling Haaland last year and Ruben Dias in 2021, Foden is the third City player in the last four years to win football’s oldest individual accolade.
With 42 percent of the vote, the 23-year-old Foden defeated Declan Rice of Arsenal and his teammate Rodri, who finished third in a vote among the FWA’s almost 900 members.
Foden is leading Pep Guardiola’s City in goal scoring this season with 24 goals.
“Being named the Football Writers’ Association footballer of the year is a huge honour,” said Foden. “I’m very, very happy to receive this award but I could not have done it without the help of my teammates.”
Guardiola praised his player but said he could get even better.
“The impact in the final third is really good, the work ethic,” he said. “Every year, due to the amount of games he’s playing, the minutes he’s playing, he’s more mature and he understands the game but he has to continue. He’s still young.”
“Depends on him, simple as that,” Guardiola added. “I promise you, it depends on him. Mentality, want more, do it again, do it again, be better in this department, I will live 24 hours for my game and for my profession. It depends on him, like all the players.”
Khadija “Bunny” Shaw, who has scored 21 goals in the Women’s Super League, pipped Chelsea’s Lauren James, with the two taking a combined 80 percent of the vote.
Jamaica international Shaw will miss City’s final two games of the Women’s Super League season with a foot injury but is almost certain to finish as the top-scorer in the WSL as Gareth Taylor’s side close in on the title.
“I am very proud and privileged to have received this award and to be recognised in this way is a special honour,” said Shaw, 27.
“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.”
Congratulations Phil! More Wins!
Live with Purpose, Love with Passion. Remember to be happy
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Rose Ajieh