Erling Haaland Clinches PFA Players’ Player of the Year Award
In a star-studded evening at the PFA’s 50th-anniversary awards event in Salford, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland stole the show. The 23-year-old striker walked away with the coveted Professional Footballers’ Association Players’ Player of the Year award, solidifying his place as one of the brightest stars in the footballing galaxy.
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Haaland’s Stellar Debut Season
Haaland’s ascent to this prestigious accolade was anything but ordinary. He enjoyed a remarkable debut season with Manchester City, setting the footballing world ablaze with his incredible performances. The Norwegian sensation found the back of the net a staggering 52 times in all competitions, playing a pivotal role in City’s historic Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League treble victory last season.
Premier League’s Finest
What makes Haaland’s achievement even more commendable is that he outshone some of the Premier League’s biggest stars. He faced stiff competition from his own teammates, including the likes of John Stones and Kevin De Bruyne. Moreover, the young striker had to fend off challenges from Arsenal’s dynamic duo, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, and the prolific former Tottenham striker, Harry Kane, who now plies his trade at Bayern Munich.
Bukayo Saka: Young Player of the Year
While Haaland claimed the crown for the league’s top player, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka wasn’t far behind. The 20-year-old prodigy was honored with the Young Player of the Year award. Saka’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. He dazzled fans and pundits alike with his performances, notching up 14 goals and contributing 11 assists for the Gunners.
International Stardom
Saka’s talents weren’t limited to the club stage. He showcased his skills on the international scene as well, emerging as one of England’s standout performers at the World Cup in Qatar. His ability to perform on the grandest stage of them all hints at a bright future for both Arsenal and the English national team.
Rachel Daly and Lauren James Shine in Women’s Categories
The PFA awards weren’t solely about the men’s game. In the women’s categories, England and Aston Villa star Rachel Daly claimed the PFA Players’ Women’s Player of the Year award, while her Lionesses teammate Lauren James of Chelsea secured the PFA Players’ Young Player of the Year.
Daly’s Remarkable Achievements
Daly’s victory in the senior women’s player category was well-deserved. She showcased her prowess by netting an impressive 22 goals in the Women’s Super League for Aston Villa last season. This feat is even more astonishing considering her utility as a left-back during England’s successful Euros campaign the previous summer.
James’ Impactful Season
Lauren James, despite missing a chunk of the World Cup due to suspension, played a pivotal role for Chelsea as they clinched the domestic double. Her versatility and talent made her an invaluable asset for her club.
Honoring Legends: Ian Wright and Jill Scott
The awards ceremony also recognized legends of the game. Former Arsenal star Ian Wright received the men’s PFA Merit award for his outstanding contributions to football. On the women’s side, Jill Scott, with a staggering 161 caps for England, was honored with the women’s Merit award, capping off her illustrious career that concluded after England’s Euro triumph.
New Heights: Awards for the Lower Tiers
In a nod to the growth of the sport, the PFA expanded its awards to the lower tiers of English football. Chuba Akpom, who scored 28 goals for Middlesbrough, was named the Championship’s top player, earning a well-deserved move to Dutch side Ajax. Conor Chaplin, with 26 goals powering Ipswich’s promotion push from League One, claimed the division’s award. Meanwhile, League Two saw Bradford’s Andy Cook named the Players’ Player of the Year, capping off a memorable night that celebrated the full spectrum of English football.
PFA Awards 2023 Winners List
| Awards | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| PFA Players’ Player of the Year | Erling Haaland | Manchester City |
| PFA Players’ Young Player of the Year | Bukayo Saka | Arsenal |
| PFA Players’ Women’s Player of the Year | Rachel Daly | Aston Villa Women |
| PFA Players’ Women’s Young Player of the Year | Lauren James | Chelsea |
| PFA Players’ Championship Player of the Year | Chuba Apkom | Middlesborough |
| PFA Players’ League One Player of the Year | Conor Chaplin | Ipswich |
| PFA Players’ League Two Player of the Year | Andy Cook | Bradford City |
| PFA Merit Award | Ian Wright | |
| PFA Merit Award | Jill Scott |
Championing Excellence
Dive into the All-Star Squads of 2023! Arsenal and Manchester City Dominate the Men’s Dream Team, While the Women’s Lineup Showcases Talents from United, Chelsea, City, and Arsenal. Let’s Unveil the Spectacular Teams of the Year!
PFA Premier League Team of the Year 2023
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Aaron Ramsdale | Arsenal |
| Defender | John Stones | Manchester City |
| Defender | Ruben Dias | Manchester City |
| Defender | William Saliba | Arsenal |
| Defender | Kieran Trippier | Newcastle United |
| Midfielder | Rodri | Manchester City |
| Midfielder | Martin Odegaard | Arsenal |
| Midfielder | Kevin De Bruyne | Manchester City |
| Forward | Harry Kane | Tottenham |
| Forward | Erling Haaland | Manchester City |
| Forward | Bukayo Saka | Arsenal |
PFA FA WSL Team of the Year 2023
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Mary Earps | Manchester United |
| Defender | Ona Batlle | Manchester United |
| Defender | Rafaelle Souza | Arsenal |
| Defender | Maya Le Tissier | Manchester United |
| Defender | Alex Greenwood | Manchester City |
| Midfielder | Guro Reiten | Chelsea |
| Midfielder | Yui Hasegawa | Manchester City |
| Midfielder | Frida Maanum | Arsenal |
| Forward | Rachel Daly | Aston Villa |
| Forward | Sam Kerr | Chelsea |
| Forward | Khadija Shaw | Manchester City |
The PFA’s 50th anniversary awards event in Salford was a testament to the talent and dedication that courses through every level of the beautiful game. From Haaland’s stellar rise to Saka’s promising future, and the recognition of legends like Ian Wright and Jill Scott, it was a night to remember in the world of football.
