Aksel Kryhlmand
The 2003–04 award cemented him as the face of the Premier League.
The Footballer of the Year award in England honors the most outstanding player in each season. From commanding defenders and tireless midfielders to record-breaking forwards, the award reflects the individuals who defined their eras. Starting from 1992–93, here is a season-by-season look at the winners.
1992–93 – Paul McGrath (Aston Villa)
Paul McGrath was immense for Aston Villa, earning the award despite persistent injuries. His defensive resilience and leadership made him a rock at the back. He remains one of the most respected Irish players to grace the Premier League.
1993–94 – Eric Cantona (Manchester United)
Eric Cantona’s charisma and brilliance transformed Manchester United. His vision, goals, and presence lifted United to dominance. In 1993–94, he was rewarded for his talismanic influence.
1994–95 – Alan Shearer (Blackburn Rovers)
Shearer’s lethal finishing led Blackburn to Premier League glory. His 34 goals that season were crucial in ending United’s dominance. The award recognized him as England’s finest striker.
1995–96 – Les Ferdinand (Newcastle United)
Les Ferdinand shone brightly for Newcastle, leading their title challenge. His strength, aerial ability, and goalscoring instinct made him a nightmare for defenders. He was rewarded with the top individual prize.
1996–97 – Alan Shearer (Newcastle United
Shearer retained his place as England’s most feared striker. His relentless goalscoring powered Newcastle’s ambitions once again. Winning in back-to-back years cemented his legendary status.
1997–98 – Dennis Bergkamp (Arsenal)
Bergkamp’s artistry and technical genius made him unplayable. His goals and creativity pushed Arsenal toward success. In 1997–98, he was at the peak of his powers.
1998–99 – David Ginola (Tottenham Hotspur)
Ginola’s flair and elegance captured fans’ imagination. Despite Spurs’ struggles, his individual brilliance was undeniable. His award remains one of the most celebrated underdog wins.
1999–00 – Roy Keane (Manchester United)
As captain of United, Keane was their heartbeat. His leadership and ferocity in midfield kept the team dominant. In 1999–00, he was the ultimate midfield general.
2000–01 – Teddy Sheringham (Manchester United)
Sheringham’s intelligence and experience stood out for United. Even late in his career, he delivered crucial goals and assists. His award reflected his invaluable contribution.
2001–02 – Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United)
Van Nistelrooy announced himself as one of the deadliest strikers in Europe. His movement and finishing were unmatched. In 2001–02, he was United’s main weapon.
2002–03 – Thierry Henry (Arsenal)
Henry’s combination of pace, elegance, and clinical finishing made him unstoppable. Arsenal thrived thanks to his brilliance. The award was the first of many for the Frenchman.
2003–04 – Thierry Henry (Arsenal)
Henry was once again the difference-maker as Arsenal’s “Invincibles” went unbeaten. His goals and leadership made history. The 2003–04 award cemented him as the face of the Premier League.
2004–05 – John Terry (Chelsea)
Terry’s defensive dominance led Chelsea to title success under Mourinho. His leadership at the back defined a new era. In 2004–05, he was recognized as the ultimate captain.
2005–06 – Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Gerrard’s tireless energy and determination carried Liverpool through crucial matches. His ability to inspire set him apart. In 2005–06, his all-action midfield displays were unmatched.
2006–07 – Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
Ronaldo’s transformation into a world-class star was complete. His pace, skill, and goals made him the league’s standout. The 2006–07 award marked his rise to global stardom.
2007–08 – Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
Ronaldo’s dominance continued as he scored goals at an extraordinary rate. He led United to domestic and European glory. Back-to-back awards confirmed his place among the all-time greats.
2008–09 – Ryan Giggs (Manchester United)
Giggs’ longevity and class were finally rewarded. Even in his later years, his vision and quality made the difference. The 2008–09 award celebrated a true legend.
2009–10 – Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
Rooney’s explosive energy and finishing made him United’s star. In 2009–10, he enjoyed one of his finest goalscoring seasons. His award reflected his immense importance.
2010–11 – Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur)
Bale’s pace, power, and spectacular goals defined Spurs’ campaign. He became one of the most feared players in the league. His breakout season earned him the top honor.
2011–12 – Robin van Persie (Arsenal)
Van Persie’s goals almost single-handedly carried Arsenal. His precision finishing and movement were extraordinary. In 2011–12, he was untouchable in front of goal.
2012–13 – Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur)
Bale dominated once again with incredible solo performances. His long-range strikes and driving runs were unforgettable. He secured his second award before moving to Real Madrid.
2013–14 – Luis Suárez (Liverpool)
Suárez’s intensity and goals nearly delivered Liverpool the title. His creativity and relentlessness made him unstoppable. In 2013–14, he reached the peak of his powers.
2014–15 – Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Hazard’s flair and dribbling inspired Chelsea to the league title. He was their creative hub and match-winner. The award crowned him as the league’s finest playmaker.
2015–16 – Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City)
Mahrez was the magician behind Leicester’s fairytale triumph. His skill, goals, and assists stunned the football world. In 2015–16, his performances symbolized the greatest upset in Premier League history.
2016–17 – N’Golo Kanté (Chelsea)
Kanté’s tireless energy and intelligence drove Chelsea’s midfield. He shielded the defense and controlled games effortlessly. His award recognized the importance of his unique style.
2017–18 – Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Salah’s debut season at Liverpool was record-breaking. His pace and goals made him unstoppable. The award crowned him as the league’s newest superstar.
2018–19 – Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Van Dijk’s defensive dominance transformed Liverpool. His calmness, aerial strength, and leadership were unmatched. In 2018–19, he set the standard for defenders worldwide.
2019–20 – Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
De Bruyne’s passing and creativity defined Manchester City’s play. His ability to dictate games earned universal praise. In 2019–20, he was the league’s best playmaker.
2020–21 – Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
De Bruyne retained the award with another brilliant campaign. His consistency and vision made him unplayable. He confirmed his status as one of the best midfielders in Premier League history.
2021–22 – Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Salah continued to dominate with goals and assists. His consistency at the top level was remarkable. The 2021–22 award marked his second crown.
2022–23 – Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Haaland’s arrival changed the landscape of the Premier League. His record-breaking goalscoring stunned the football world. In his debut season, he became the most feared striker in England.
2023–24 – Phil Foden (Manchester City, England)
Foden’s maturity and creativity defined City’s campaign. He stepped up as their new leader in attack. In 2023–24, he claimed his first major individual honor.
2024–25 – Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, Egypt)
Salah once again proved his brilliance by reclaiming the award. His consistency, pace, and finishing have stood the test of time. The 2024–25 award cemented his legacy as one of the Premier League’s greatest ever.
