PFA Players’ Player of the Year 2025: Salah Makes History, Caldentey Shines Bright
Last night’s PFA Players’ Player of the Year ceremony in Manchester was a celebration of excellence and milestones. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey emerged as the top winners in a night that blended football prestige with personal triumph.
Salah Becomes First Three-Time Winner
Mohamed Salah rewrote the record books by becoming the first player ever to win the PFA Men’s Player of the Year award three times—adding 2025 to his previous wins in 2018 and 2022. His extraordinary season — 29 Premier League goals and 18 assists — propelled Liverpool to the title, cementing his legendary status
Reflecting on his achievement, Salah said, “I look at myself now, a guy coming from Egypt and making it to the top level… making history today, it’s something that makes me so proud.”
Caldentey’s Debut Campaign Captivates
In the women’s category, Mariona Caldentey of Arsenal claimed the Women’s Player of the Year award. The Spaniard enjoyed a stellar first season with the club — scoring 19 goals across competitions and sealing her place in history by helping Arsenal lift their first Champions League trophy in 18 years. She also scored for Spain in the Euro 2025 final.
Rising Stars Take the Spotlight
Men’s Young Player of the Year: Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa took home the honour after a breakout season.
Women’s Young Player of the Year: Liverpool’s rising star Olivia Smith received top recognition just after moving to Arsenal for a groundbreaking £1 million — a record-setting transfer in women’s football.
Team of the Year Highlights Liverpool Depth
Liverpool’s dominance continued with multiple inclusions in the Premier League Team of the Year. Salah was joined by teammates Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and new signing Milos Kerkez.
Arsenal also featured prominently, with William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães and Declan Rice.
Beyond the Pitch: Special Merit Awards
The awards also included special merit recognitions. Veteran coach Sir Gareth Southgate and USA head coach Emma Hayes were honoured for their exceptional contributions to football.
Why It Matters
This year’s PFA awards captured more than individual brilliance: they celebrated trailblazers, milestones, and a new era of recognition across men’s and women’s football. Mohamed Salah’s third title stands as a testament to one of the greatest eras in Premier League history, while Mariona Caldentey and Olivia Smith signal a rising tide in women’s football.
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