Mohamed Salah has etched his name deeper into English football folklore by becoming the first player to win the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Men’s Player of the Year award on three occasions. The Liverpool forward, aged 33, capped off a dominant 2024–25 season by spearheading his side to Premier League glory while finishing as the league’s top scorer and a consistent creative force.
Salah recorded 29 goals and contributed 18 assists—numbers that reflect not just his goal-scoring prowess but also his pivotal role in Liverpool’s attacking fluidity. This season marked a masterclass in leadership and consistency, as Salah remained the focal point of Arne Slot’s title-winning side. His intelligence off the ball, lethal finishing, and ability to influence games in critical moments elevated Liverpool’s campaign from competitive to commanding.
This latest accolade adds to his already impressive trophy cabinet. Alongside the PFA award, Salah was named the Premier League Player of the Season and the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year, making him the most decorated individual in English football for the 2024–25 season.
Salah’s recognition is not simply about numbers—it’s a celebration of perseverance, adaptability, and an unrelenting desire to stay at the top. Speaking about his journey from humble beginnings in Egypt to becoming a global icon, Salah highlighted how his ambitions evolved over time, saying, “When you grow, you start to see things differently and you start to have ambition and you start to see the bigger picture.”
Mohamed Salah is the PFA Players’ Player of Year. 🏆#PFAawards pic.twitter.com/fwAaj5k6cz
— PFA (@PFA) August 19, 2025
Morgan Rogers: The New Face of English Football
While Salah represented proven excellence, Morgan Rogers embodied rising promise. The 23-year-old Aston Villa midfielder was named the PFA Young Player of the Year after an explosive breakout season. Signed from Middlesbrough in February 2024 for approximately £15 million, Rogers quickly became a mainstay in Unai Emery’s energetic and tactically sophisticated squad.
Rogers featured in 54 matches across all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing several crucial assists. His pace, versatility, and composure on the ball contributed immensely to Villa’s top-six finish in the Premier League. Notably, the club also reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League and the semi-finals of the FA Cup—milestones that reflect their growing stature both domestically and in Europe.
Rogers’ development was further rewarded with a call-up to the senior England squad in November. He made his debut against Greece and has since earned six caps. His inclusion in the national setup underscores the impact he has made in such a short span, and he is now widely viewed as a future cornerstone for club and country.
In his own words, Rogers expressed his ambitions clearly: “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 what they followed after. It’s a nice recognition but there’s more to win and I can’t wait.”
Rising Stars Compete for Recognition
The shortlist for the Young Player of the Year was stacked with emerging talent. Arsenal’s midfield duo of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri showcased technical brilliance beyond their years, while Dean Huijsen, who secured a high-profile move to Real Madrid, and Milos Kerkez, who joined Liverpool after an impressive stint at Bournemouth, added international depth to the competition. Liam Delap, following a prolific spell at Ipswich, secured a move to Chelsea and was also among the nominees.
This generation represents the next wave of elite footballers ready to dominate the domestic and European stage. Their inclusion in such a competitive shortlist is a testament to the quality and depth of English youth development in recent years.
Gareth Southgate: A Managerial Legacy Honored
Sir Gareth Southgate was honored with the 2025 PFA Merit Award, celebrating his immense contribution to English football. As England manager from 2016 to 2024, Southgate reshaped the national team’s identity. He took the Three Lions to four major tournaments, reaching the finals of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, and the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Under Southgate’s leadership, England shed its historical baggage of underachievement and emerged as a serious contender on the global stage. Known for his calm demeanor, tactical evolution, and focus on player development, Southgate also led the Under-21s before assuming control of the senior squad.
He handed international debuts to 42 players—nearly twice as many as any other England manager—ushering in a new era of talent. Southgate concluded his tenure with 64 wins from 102 matches, a record that places him among the most successful and influential figures in the history of the English game.
His recognition by the PFA is not merely for results, but for cultural transformation. He reinvigorated belief in the national team and laid a solid foundation for future success.
Lower League Excellence Recognized
Talent wasn’t limited to the Premier League, as the PFA honored standout performers across the Championship, League One, and League Two.
James Trafford, who recently joined Manchester City, earned the Championship Player of the Year award after keeping an astonishing 29 clean sheets for Burnley. His consistency and leadership from the back were instrumental in securing the club’s automatic promotion to the Premier League.
In League One, Richard Kone—now with Queens Park Rangers—was honored for a prolific season at Wycombe Wanderers, where he scored 18 goals and proved pivotal in key fixtures. His blend of pace and physicality tormented defenses throughout the campaign.
Michael Cheek, meanwhile, captured the League Two award after finishing the season as the division’s top scorer. With 25 goals for Bromley, Cheek’s performances were instrumental in his team’s attacking dominance, and his Golden Boot win reflects his reliability in front of goal.
Premier League Team of the Year: Red and White Domination
The Premier League Team of the Year, selected by fellow players, was heavily influenced by the success of Liverpool and Arsenal. Four Liverpool players were selected: Mohamed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister, Virgil van Dijk, and Ryan Gravenberch. Their blend of experience, technical quality, and tactical intelligence proved fundamental in clinching the title under Arne Slot’s leadership.
Arsenal, who pushed Liverpool closely throughout the season, also saw three of their stars recognized: midfielder Declan Rice, and central defenders William Saliba and Gabriel. Their defensive cohesion and midfield dynamism allowed Mikel Arteta’s side to remain in the title race until the final weeks.
Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood, and goalkeeper Matz Sels were also honored. Milos Kerkez, who transferred mid-season from Bournemouth to Liverpool, was recognized for his impact at both clubs, earning the left-back slot.
This collective XI symbolizes the balance between elite consistency and breakout excellence, combining world-class veterans with rising stars.
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Mo Salah wins the PFA Player of the Year award for a record-breaking third time.
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 19, 2025
A historic season 👑 pic.twitter.com/J6SJeDaQy0
Conclusion
The 2025 PFA Awards celebrated more than individual brilliance—they chronicled a season defined by historical milestones, generational shifts, and inspirational journeys. Mohamed Salah’s third Player of the Year award solidifies his status as one of the all-time greats in Premier League history. Morgan Rogers’ meteoric rise offers a glimpse into the future of English football, while Gareth Southgate’s legacy stands as a blueprint for national team rejuvenation.
The recognition of players across all tiers of English football highlights the depth of talent and competitiveness that makes the English football pyramid one of the most revered globally. As fans, we witnessed a year of remarkable narratives—and as the next season looms, new chapters are already waiting to be written.
