Aviator: Mohamed Salah has been honored with this year’s Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year award, a prestigious accolade given annually to the player regarded as the best performer in English football.
Established in the 1947–48 season, the FWA award celebrates outstanding talent and contributions on the pitch. The first-ever recipient was Stanley Matthews, the iconic Blackpool winger. As of the 2024–25 season, Salah, representing Liverpool, has been crowned the winner, further cementing his remarkable legacy.
Aviator: This victory marks Salah’s third FWA award, a feat that places him alongside Thierry Henry as the most decorated players in the award’s history. Both football legends have now won it three times, a record among the nine players who have claimed the honor on multiple occasions.
The recipient of the prestigious FWA Award is chosen through the votes of approximately 400 football journalists who are members of the Football Writers’ Association (FWA). This esteemed organization, co-founded by the former player-turned-journalist Charles Buchan, has played a pivotal role in the development of English football journalism over the years.
Since its inception, the FWA Award has become one of the most coveted individual honors in the football world. As of 2025, the award has been presented 77 times to 68 different players, reflecting the diverse range of talent that has earned recognition over the years. On one notable occasion, the award was shared between two exceptional players, a rare but celebrated moment in the history of the award.
The FWA Award continues to be a mark of distinction, highlighting the exceptional performances and contributions of players in English football. With a long history of honoring football excellence, the FWA remains an influential body in the sport, with its members playing a key role in recognizing the achievements of the best players each season. The tradition of selecting the FWA Award winner through a democratic voting process ensures that the honor remains a true reflection of footballing excellence as seen through the eyes of the sport’s most knowledgeable journalists.
Aviator: FWA 2024-25 Awards list in table format:
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| FWA Footballer of the Year | Mohamed Salah |
| FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year | Alessia Russo |
FWA Footballer of the Year 2024-25 (Top Four)
| Rank | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mohamed Salah |
| 2 | Virgil van Dijk |
| 3 | Alexander Isak |
| 4 | Declan Rice |
Aviator: FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year 2024-25 (Top Four)
| Rank | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Alessia Russo |
| 2 | Khadija Shaw |
| 3 | Mariona Caldentey |
| 4 | Millie Bright |
Aviator: Alessia Russo has become only the second Arsenal player to win the prestigious FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year award, following Vivianne Miedema’s victory in 2020. This recognition highlights the remarkable talent within the women’s game, with 36 different players receiving votes, underscoring the growing interest and investment in women’s football among FWA members.
In her second season with Arsenal, the England international has been in outstanding form, making a significant impact on the pitch. Under the management of new coach Renee Slegers, Russo’s game has flourished. She has showcased her remarkable skills, contributing both as a goal scorer and a playmaker, and solidifying her position as one of the league’s standout players.
With 12 goals in 20 WSL appearances so far, Russo is on track to share the Golden Boot with Manchester City’s Khadija “Bunny” Shaw, who has also been in exceptional goal-scoring form. Russo’s clinical finishing and ability to rise to the occasion have made her one of the most feared forwards in the league.
Aviator: There is still a chance for Russo to claim the Golden Boot outright. In the final match of the season, Arsenal will face Manchester United, Russo’s former team, in a crucial clash for second place in the WSL standings. A strong performance in this match could not only help secure Arsenal’s position but also seal Russo’s place as the league’s top scorer, making this final game an exciting prospect for both the player and the team.
