Phil Foden and Bunny Shaw Win PFA Awards: Full Recap of Champions

PFA Player of the Year Awards 2023: Celebrating the Best in Football

The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) awards have recognized outstanding talent in football, with Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Bunny Shaw taking home the prestigious titles of Men's and Women's PFA Player of the Year respectively. This year’s awards highlight individual accomplishments that significantly impacted their teams during the last season.

Phil Foden: A Key Player for Manchester City

At just 24, Phil Foden has cemented his status as one of Europe’s top talents. His performance was pivotal in Manchester City clinching their fourth consecutive Premier League title. Foden's record of 19 goals and 8 assists underscored his playmaking abilities and goal-scoring prowess, earning him recognition from his fellow players.

Bunny Shaw: Dominating the Women's Super League

Jamaican forward Bunny Shaw excelled in the Women’s Super League, becoming the top scorer with 21 goals. Her remarkable performance was instrumental in Manchester City’s bid for the title, despite ultimately finishing just behind Chelsea due to goal difference. Shaw’s achievement demonstrates her invaluable contribution to the club.

PFA Young Player of the Year: Rising Stars Shine

In addition to the main awards, young talent was also recognized. Cole Palmer from Chelsea was awarded the Men’s PFA Young Player of the Year, finishing the season with 22 goals, second only to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. Grace Clinton, who had an impressive loan spell at Tottenham, took home the Women’s Young Player of the Year award, contributing significantly with 4 goals and 4 assists.

PFA Merit Awards: Honoring Legendary Careers

This year’s PFA Merit awards were given to two remarkable individuals, Fara Williams and Dean Lewington, in recognition of their illustrious careers in football. Fara Williams is the most capped player in England’s history, with an impressive 172 appearances for the Lionesses and 40 goals to her name, including a significant role in the national team’s journey to the 2015 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Dean Lewington, at the age of 40, broke the EFL record for most appearances with a single club, making an astonishing 771 appearances for MK Dons. His dedication and longevity in the game have set a benchmark for future players.

Championship Player of the Year: Crysencio Summerville

West Ham’s new signing Crysencio Summerville was voted Championship Player of the Year following a stellar season with Leeds, where he scored 21 goals across all competitions. Despite Leeds missing out on promotion, Summerville’s contributions were crucial in their campaign.

League One Player of the Year: Alfie May

In League One, Alfie May emerged as the player of the season after scoring a league-high 23 goals for Charlton Athletic. May's impressive form led to a transfer to Birmingham City, making him one of the standout players in the lower leagues.

Conclusion

The 2023 PFA awards celebrated individual excellence across English football, showcasing players who not only excelled personally but also contributed significantly to their teams’ performances. As the new season approaches, these players will undoubtedly aim to build on their successes and inspire the next generation of football stars.