Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah has etched his name into football history after being named the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) men’s player of the year for 2025. The Egyptian star becomes the first player ever to win the accolade three times, having played a decisive role in Liverpool’s Premier League title-winning campaign last season.
At 33, Salah has shown no signs of slowing down, finishing the 2024/25 season as the league’s top scorer with 29 goals while also providing 18 assists. His performances saw him also claim the Premier League player of the season award and the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) footballer of the year, cementing his status as one of the finest forwards of the modern era.
Speaking on the honour, Salah reflected on his journey from Egypt to global stardom. “Of course I wanted to be a football player and I wanted to be famous and provide for my family, but you don’t think about the big stuff when you are still in Egypt,” he said. “When you grow, you start to see things differently, and you start to have ambition and see the bigger picture.”
Rogers Follows Villa Legends with Young Player Award
Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers was named the PFA young player of the year, becoming the fifth Villa representative to secure the prestigious honour. The 23-year-old joins a distinguished list that includes Andy Gray, Gary Shaw, Ashley Young and James Milner.
Signed from Middlesbrough in February 2024 for around £15 million, Rogers flourished under manager Unai Emery, making 54 appearances across all competitions, scoring 14 goals, and helping Villa to a sixth-place Premier League finish. His performances were rewarded with a senior England debut in November, and he has since earned six international caps.
Rogers expressed gratitude for the recognition but emphasised his hunger for more success. “It’s a nice recognition but there’s more to win and I can’t wait,” he told opitanglobamedia football. “Later down the line, I want to be one of those incredible players people speak about, so to do that I have to do what they did and follow the same path.”
Southgate Honoured with PFA Merit Award
Former England manager Gareth Southgate received the 2025 PFA merit award, recognising his remarkable contributions to English football. Southgate managed the national team from 2016 to 2024, leading the Three Lions to the Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 finals and the 2018 World Cup semi-finals.
The 54-year-old oversaw 102 games in charge, making him one of only three England managers to surpass the century mark. He also handed debuts to 42 players, a record that revitalised the national side and laid the foundation for England’s current generation of stars.
Southgate joins a select list of former England managers honoured with the PFA merit award since its inception in 1974. His tenure is widely credited with restoring pride and unity to the England setup during one of its most successful periods in recent history.
Liverpool and Arsenal Lead PFA Team of the Year
The Premier League team of the year was dominated by champions Liverpool and runners-up Arsenal, with both clubs contributing three players each. Salah was joined by teammates Alexis Mac Allister, Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch, while Arsenal’s Declan Rice, William Saliba and Gabriel made the cut.
Nottingham Forest provided two surprise inclusions with goalkeeper Matz Sels and striker Chris Wood, both making their first appearances in the prestigious lineup. Newcastle striker Alexander Isak and Bournemouth full-back Milos Kerkez, now of Liverpool, completed the XI.
The selections highlighted the influence of Liverpool’s attacking flair and Arsenal’s defensive solidity, with both clubs enjoying standout campaigns in 2024/25.
Team of the Year (XI):
GK: Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest)
Defenders: William Saliba (Arsenal), Gabriel (Arsenal), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth/Liverpool)
Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Forwards: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Alexander Isak (Newcastle), Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)
Recognition Across the Leagues
Beyond the Premier League, the PFA also celebrated standout performers from the lower divisions. Goalkeeper James Trafford, who recently signed for Manchester City, was named Championship player of the year after keeping an astonishing 29 clean sheets to help Burnley secure automatic promotion.
In League One, striker Richard Kone claimed the award for his 18 goals with Wycombe Wanderers before sealing a move to Queens Park Rangers. Bromley’s Michael Cheek scooped the League Two award after finishing as top scorer with 25 goals, securing the Golden Boot.
These recognitions underscore the depth of talent across English football, with players from all tiers being rewarded for their achievements and impact throughout the season.
