Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been awarded the title of “Footballer of the Year” in England by soccer writers for an unprecedented third time on Friday, while Arsenal striker Alessia Russo received the women’s accolade.
Salah had previously secured this honor, presented by the Football Writers’ Association, in 2018 and 2022. The only other player to achieve this feat three times is Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.
The FWA’s award is recognized as the oldest individual soccer honor globally, having been first presented in 1948.
According to the FWA, Salah garnered 90% of the votes from over 900 members, marking the “largest winning margin this century.” His teammate Virgil van Dijk came in second, followed by Newcastle striker Alexander Isak in third place.
This season, Salah leads the Premier League with the highest number of goals (28) and assists (18), playing a crucial role in Liverpool securing the title for the second time in five years.
Russo outperformed Manchester City striker Khadija Shaw and Arsenal teammate Mariona Caldentey, with FWA chair John Cross noting that Russo’s exceptional performances in the Women’s Champions League have distinguished her.
Arsenal, currently in second place in the Women’s Super League, has advanced to the Champions League final after defeating eight-time champion Lyon in the semifinals and will face Barcelona in the title match.
