PFA Awards 2024: A Comprehensive Look at All Players’ Player of the Year Winners Since 1973-74

PFA Awards 2024: The PFA Men’s Players’ Player of the Year award is one of the most esteemed accolades in English football. First introduced in the 1973-74 season, this award is unique in that it is voted on by the players themselves, making it a true reflection of the respect and admiration a player commands among their peers. The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), the players’ trade union, conducts the annual poll to determine the winner.

This award celebrates the finest footballers in the English game, recognizing their exceptional contributions throughout the season. Winning this award is a mark of excellence, and the list of recipients over the years reads like a who’s who of football legends.

The Inaugural Winner and Evolution of the Award

The first player to be honored with this award was Leeds United’s defensive stalwart Norman Hunter in the 1973-74 season. His recognition set the tone for a highly respected tradition in English football. Over the years, the award has been given to players across all positions, reflecting the diverse talents that make up a successful team.

Repeat Winners: A Mark of Consistency

A select group of players has won the award more than once, highlighting their sustained excellence over multiple seasons. Among these, Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Kevin De Bruyne, Mark Hughes, Alan Shearer, and Mohamed Salah stand out as multiple-time winners. Henry, Ronaldo, and De Bruyne have the added distinction of winning the award in consecutive seasons, underscoring their dominance during their peak years.

Alan Shearer is unique in that he won the award with two different clubs, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United, showcasing his versatility and impact at the highest level.

The Young and the Talented: Winning Both Senior and Young Player Awards

While the PFA also recognizes young talent through the PFA Young Player of the Year award, only a few players have managed to clinch both the senior and young player titles in the same season. Andy Gray (1976-77), Cristiano Ronaldo (2006-07), and Gareth Bale (2012-13) have achieved this remarkable feat, demonstrating their prodigious talent at a young age.

A Look at All PFA Players’ Player of the Year Winners

Here is a complete list of all the winners of the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award since its inception:

• 1973-74: Norman Hunter (Leeds United)
• 1974-75: Colin Todd (Derby County)
• 1975-76: Pat Jennings (Tottenham Hotspur)
• 1976-77: Andy Gray (Aston Villa)
• 1977-78: Peter Shilton (Nottingham Forest)
• 1978-79: Liam Brady (Arsenal)
• 1979-80: Terry McDermott (Liverpool)
• 1980-81: John Wark (Ipswich Town)
• 1981-82: Kevin Keegan (Southampton)
• 1982-83: Kenny Dalglish (Liverpool)
• 1983-84: Ian Rush (Liverpool)
• 1984-85: Peter Reid (Everton)
• 1985-86: Gary Lineker (Everton)
• 1986-87: Clive Allen (Tottenham Hotspur)
• 1987-88: John Barnes (Liverpool)
• 1988-89: Mark Hughes (Manchester United)
• 1989-90: David Platt (Aston Villa)
• 1990-91: Mark Hughes (Manchester United)
• 1991-92: Gary Pallister (Manchester United)
• 1992-93: Paul McGrath (Aston Villa)
• 1993-94: Eric Cantona (Manchester United)
• 1994-95: Alan Shearer (Blackburn Rovers)
• 1995-96: Les Ferdinand (Newcastle United)
• 1996-97: Alan Shearer (Newcastle United)
• 1997-98: Dennis Bergkamp (Arsenal)
• 1998-99: David Ginola (Tottenham Hotspur)
• 1999-2000: Roy Keane (Manchester United)
• 2000-01: Teddy Sheringham (Manchester United)
• 2001-02: Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United)
• 2002-03: Thierry Henry (Arsenal)
• 2003-04: Thierry Henry (Arsenal)
• 2004-05: John Terry (Chelsea)
• 2005-06: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
• 2006-07: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
• 2007-08: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
• 2008-09: Ryan Giggs (Manchester United)
• 2009-10: Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
• 2010-11: Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur)
• 2011-12: Robin van Persie (Arsenal)
• 2012-13: Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur)
• 2013-14: Luis Suárez (Liverpool)
• 2014-15: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
• 2015-16: Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City)
• 2016-17: N’Golo Kanté (Chelsea)
• 2017-18: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
• 2018-19: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
• 2019-20: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
• 2020-21: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
• 2021-22: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
• 2022-23: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
• 2023-24: Phil Foden (Manchester City)

The Legacy of the PFA Players’ Player of the Year

The PFA Players’ Player of the Year award remains a pinnacle of personal achievement in English football. It not only celebrates individual brilliance but also reflects the collective respect and recognition a player garners from their peers. As we look back at the history of this award, it is clear that each winner has left an indelible mark on the game, contributing to the rich tapestry of English football history.