The Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award is one of the most prestigious individual prizes in English football. This article profiles the winners from 2011 to the present day in detail.
2011 – Scott Parker – West Ham United
In 2011, veteran midfielder Scott Parker claimed the award after inspiring West Ham to survival in the Premier League. At 35 years old, Parker was not expected to have one of his finest seasons, but he proved his worth with a string of tireless performances in the engine room. The former Chelsea man brought experience, leadership and energy to the Hammers midfield, making well-timed tackles and interceptions to break up play. He was also integral to spreading the ball from deep with his range of passing. Parker’s displays encapsulated the never-say-die attitude that helped West Ham defy expectations under Alan Pardew to retain their top-flight status. It was a fitting reward for the impact he made in his second spell at the club.
2012 – Robin van Persie – Arsenal FC
The following year, Robin van Persie took the award after a simply sublime season with Arsenal. The Dutchman was already regarded as one of the most complete strikers in the world, but in 2011/12 he elevated his game to new heights. Van Persie scored 30 Premier League goals, including hat-tricks against Chelsea and Liverpool, as the Gunners finished third. His clinical finishing and ability to score from anywhere was unplayable at times, with many of his goals coming from outside the box in stunning fashion. Van Persie was the focal point of Arsenal’s attack and his goals papered over some of the team’s deficiencies. His performances were so impressive that Manchester United were convinced to pay a then club-record £24 million to bring him to Old Trafford the following summer.
2013 – Gareth Bale – Tottenham Hotspur
In 2013, it was the turn of Gareth Bale to dominate the award after enjoying his best season to date with Tottenham Hotspur. The Welsh wizard had long shown glimpses of his immense talent, but this was the campaign where he announced himself as a true superstar. Playing predominantly from the right wing, Bale scored an incredible 21 goals in all competitions, including memorable solo efforts against West Ham, Norwich and Sunderland where he danced past multiple defenders. His searing pace, power and two-footed ability left opponents in his wake. Bale’s mesmeric displays established him as one of the most feared attacking talents in Europe and earned him a then world-record £85 million transfer to Real Madrid that summer.
2014 – Luis Suárez – Liverpool FC
The following year, Luis Suarez was the standout individual as Liverpool narrowly missed out on their first Premier League title since 1990. The Uruguayan striker was simply unplayable at times, terrorising defences with his pace, strength and clinical finishing. Suarez scored an astonishing 31 league goals from a wide-ranging playmaker role, showcasing his predatory instincts and ability to find space in the box. His goals and link-up play with Daniel Sturridge kept Liverpool in the title race until the final weeks of the season, though they ultimately fell just short to Manchester City. It proved to be Suarez’s last season at Anfield before completing a £75 million transfer to Barcelona, where he has since become one of their all-time great players.
2015 – Eden Hazard – Chelsea FC
In 2015, Eden Hazard claimed the award for his virtuoso performances in Chelsea’s title-winning campaign. Under Jose Mourinho, the Blues dominated English football with a series of pragmatic, defensive displays. However, it was Hazard who provided a touch of magic in the final third, scoring 14 goals and creating countless more from the left wing. The Belgian wizard was virtually unplayable at times, gliding past opponents with his silky dribbling and close control. Hazard had the ability to win matches single-handedly and his eye for a killer pass unlocked many tight games. He established himself as the most dangerous player in the Premier League and one of the best in Europe.
2016 – Jamie Vardy – Leicester City
Perhaps the most surprising winner was Jamie Vardy in 2016, who spearheaded Leicester City’s fairytale Premier League title victory. Claudio Ranieri’s Foxes stunned the entire football world by winning the league at odds of 5000/1 after being tipped for relegation. Vardy played a crucial role in their success, scoring 24 league goals – including a record-equalling 11 consecutive games. His relentless work-rate, pace in behind and predatory finishing were perfectly suited to Leicester’s counter-attacking style. Vardy’s goals dragged Leicester into contention and his celebration of arms-outstretched while running became the image of their triumph. It marked an incredible rise from non-league to Premier League champion for the Englishman.
2017 – N’Golo Kanté – Chelsea FC
The following year, N’Golo Kante claimed the award after starring in both Leicester’s title success and Chelsea’s domestic dominance. The Frenchman had made a £30 million move to Stamford Bridge and proved equally as influential in west London. Kante’s energy, tackling and ability to read the game saw him dominate midfield, allowing teammates like Hazard more freedom. He covered more ground than any other player, breaking up opposition moves and quickly distributing possession. Kante’s all-action style embodied the spirit of the Premier League.
2018 – Mohamed Salah – Liverpool FC
Mohamed Salah had a record-breaking debut season for Liverpool in 2017/18 after arriving from Roma that summer. Under Jurgen Klopp, the Egyptian winger thrived in a front-three alongside Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane. Salah scored 32 league goals, including a Premier League record 32 in 31 games, as the Reds reached the Champions League final in a hugely impressive campaign. His searing pace, two-footed ability and lethal finishing in the box made him the most feared forward in England. Salah shattered numerous goalscoring records and became the first player in over 20 years to score in every game over a single month in October. It was a debut season season season that announced him as a true superstar.
2019 – Raheem Sterling – Manchester City
Raheem Sterling enjoyed his most prolific season to date in 2018/19, scoring 25 goals as Manchester City won an unprecedented domestic treble. The winger had developed into one of the most dangerous attackers in the league. Thanks to his searing pace, intelligent movement and clinical finishing. Sterling was virtually unplayable for defenders at times, gliding past them and finding the net. His goals that season proved crucial to City’s dominance.
2020 – Jordan Henderson – Liverpool FC
In 2020, Jordan Henderson led Liverpool to their first Premier League title in 30 years and was a deserving winner of the Football Writers’ award. The Englishman had transformed himself from an industrious box-to-box midfielder into a composed regista under Klopp. Henderson’s leadership, energy and ability to dictate the tempo of games from deep were vital to Liverpool’s success. He provided a calming influence and set the example for his teammates with his determination and work-rate. It was a testament to Henderson’s development that he lifted the Premier League trophy as captain.
2021 – Rúben Dias – Manchester City
The 2020/21 went to Ruben Dias after his starring role in Manchester City’s title triumph and record Premier League points haul. Dias’ commanding displays at the back transformed their leaky defence into the meanest in England, conceding just 32 goals all season. The Portuguese centre-back proved an inspired signing and led by example.
2022 – Mohamed Salah – Liverpool FC
Mohamed Salah claimed a second Footballer of the Year prize in 2021/22 after another incredible individual campaign for Liverpool. The Egyptian winger scored 31 goals as Jurgen Klopp’s men won the FA Cup and League Cup. Coming close to an unprecedented quadruple. Salah’s predatory instincts and ability to find the net yet again underlined his status as one of the very best players in the world.
2023 – Erling Haaland – Manchester City
The most recent winner has been Erling Haaland. Who has taken the Premier League by storm in his first two seasons with Manchester City. The Norwegian’s incredible goalscoring record makes him a worthy recipient. Haaland’s combination of pace, power and clinical finishing has terrorised defences and propelled City to the top of the table. He also was a major factor in the treble that season.
This award has recognised the very best individual talents in English football over the last decade. The winners demonstrate the qualities needed to dominate – leadership, work-rate, chance creation, goals and all-round quality. They have driven their respective teams to domestic and European success. The Premier League continues to attract the world’s best players.
