Mohamed Salah of Liverpool has become the second player in the 77-year history of the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) award to be named Footballer of the Year for a third time.
The exceptionally prolific Egyptian forward has had one of the most remarkable individual seasons in Premier League history, contributing significantly to Liverpool’s title victory.
With three matches left in the season, Salah leads the league with 28 goals and 18 assists, breaking the previous record for direct goal involvements that was jointly held by Erling Haaland of Manchester City and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.
By receiving another FWA Footballer of the Year award, following his previous wins in 2017/18 and 2021/22, Salah has equaled Thierry Henry’s record of three awards.
Since Stanley Matthews received the first award in 1948, hundreds of football journalists in England have voted for the standout player at the conclusion of each top-flight season.
PlayerWins (Years)Thierry Henry3 (2002/03, 2003/04, 2005/06)Mohamed Salah3 (2017/18, 2021/22, 2024/25)Stanley Matthews2 (1947/48, 1962/63)Tom Finney2 (1953/54, 1956/57)Danny Blanchflower2 (1957/58, 1960/61)Kenny Dalglish2 (1978/79, 1982/83)John Barnes2 (1987/88, 1989/90)Gary Lineker2 (1985/86, 1991/92)Cristiano Ronaldo2 (2006/07, 2007/08)Matthews is one of seven players to have been individually recognised by the FWA on two separate occasions, yet only Henry had been granted the privilege of three titles before Salah’s sensational year.
The 32-year-old forward finished above his Liverpool teammate Virgil van Dijk but there was little competition.
Salah earned 90% of the votes, which represents “the biggest winning margin this century” according to the FWA.
“Rarely has there been a more popular winner than Mo,” FWA chair John Cross wrote.
“His overwhelming victory is just a reflection of an incredible season.
He continues to re-write the record books and his performances this season have obviously been key to Liverpool’s 20th title.
It’s been a privilege watching him this season and it will be a privilege to welcome him to our dinner to celebrate his success.”