Picture: A pixel art portrayal by WigTea artistically captures Phil Foden and Khadija “Bunny” Shaw in their Manchester City kits, joyfully celebrating together, symbolising their achievements at the 2024 PFA Awards.
PFA Awards 2024: A night of celebrating excellence in English football
The Professional Footballers’ Association, PFA Awards 2024, held on August 20, at the Manchester Opera House, celebrated the outstanding talents in English football. with Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Bunny Shaw among the night’s biggest winners. The prestigious event recognised players across various categories, honouring their contributions to both club and country over the past season.
Phil Foden’s triumph
Phil Foden, the 24-year-old Manchester City midfielder, was awarded the highly coveted PFA Players’ Player of the Year for his exceptional performances during the 2023-2024 season. Foden’s pivotal role in securing Manchester City’s fourth consecutive Premier League title was marked by his 19 goals and eight assists in 35 league appearances. His influence was particularly evident in crucial matches, where his creativity and finishing skills often turned the tide in City’s favour.
This marks Foden’s first time winning the senior PFA award, a significant achievement following his previous two PFA Young Player of the Year titles. His victory not only underscores his evolution into a key player for both club and country but also highlights his ability to consistently perform at the highest level in one of the world’s most competitive leagues. “To be recognised by your fellow professionals means everything,” Foden commented, reflecting on the honour of being voted by his peers.
Foden’s win is also historic in another sense—at just 24, he has already won six Premier League titles, making him the youngest player to achieve this feat. His rapid rise and consistent excellence position him as a central figure in the future of English football, potentially following in the footsteps of legendary players like Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
Bunny Shaw’s dominance
In the women’s category at the PFA Awards 2024, Manchester City’s Khadija “Bunny” Shaw was named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year. Shaw, a prolific forward, had an outstanding season in the Women’s Super League (WSL), scoring 21 goals and providing three assists. Her power, pace, and clinical finishing were key to Manchester City’s attack, even though the team narrowly missed out on the title to Chelsea.
Shaw’s recognition is a testament to her consistency and impact in the WSL, where she has quickly established herself as one of the most feared strikers. Beyond her goal-scoring prowess, Shaw’s leadership on the pitch and her ability to perform in high-pressure situations have made her a standout player in women’s football. “I am both happy and proud to have received this award, to be recognised in such a way by my peers is a very special honour,” Shaw said after receiving the award.
Rising stars: Cole Palmer and Grace Clinton
The PFA Awards 2024 also shone a spotlight on emerging talents. The Young Player of the Year awards spotlighted the future stars of English football, with Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Manchester United’s Grace Clinton taking the honours. Palmer, who moved to Chelsea from Manchester City last summer, had an impressive debut season, contributing 22 goals and 11 assists in the Premier League. His ability to make an immediate impact in a new environment speaks volumes about his talent and potential. This award positions Palmer as a key player for Chelsea’s future, potentially leading the next generation of English talent on the international stage.
Grace Clinton’s award as the Young Player of the Year in the women’s category highlights her emergence as a significant talent in the WSL. The Manchester United midfielder was crucial in her team’s performances throughout the season, showcasing her versatility and vision. Clinton’s rise mirrors the increasing competitiveness of the WSL, where young talents are rapidly making their mark.
Other notable awards and recognitions
The PFA Team of the Year, as voted by the players, reflected the dominance of Arsenal and Manchester City in the Premier League. Arsenal, who pushed Manchester City close in the title race, had five players in the team, including David Raya, William Saliba, and Martin Ødegaard. Manchester City was well-represented by Foden, Erling Haaland, Kyle Walker, and Rodri. Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk completed the star-studded lineup.
In the women’s PFA Team of the Year, Bunny Shaw was joined by five Manchester City teammates, underscoring the strength of their squad despite finishing second to Chelsea. The presence of Chelsea players in the team also highlighted the competitive nature of the WSL, where the battle for supremacy remains fierce.
The PFA Merit Award was bestowed upon Dean Lewington, recognising his long-standing contributions to English football, particularly in the lower leagues where he has been a stalwart for MK Dons.
Conclusion
The PFA Awards 2024 not only celebrated individual brilliance but also highlighted the emerging talents set to shape the future of English football. Phil Foden and Bunny Shaw’s victories underscored their roles as leading figures in the Premier League and the Women’s Super League, respectively. As English football continues to evolve, these players, alongside rising stars like Cole Palmer and Grace Clinton, represent the bright future of the sport in the country.
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