Awards

The Footballer of the Year Award
It was Charles Buchan, the publisher and writer of Football Monthly as well as one of the founding fathers of the FWA, who suggested that an award should be given “to the professional player who by precept and example is considered by a ballot of members to be the footballer of the year.”

That was back in 1947 and since then the Footballer of the Year Award has become the most prestigious award in the British game.

Voted for year on year by the FWA members, the first recipient was the legendary Sir Stanley Matthews and ever since players have been honoured for their achievements.

THIS YEAR’S WINNER:

Ruben Dias

Ruben Dias was voted the Footballer of the Year for 2021 by the Football Writers’ Association. He has had an outstanding first season, helping City win the Premier League and Carabao Cup , as well as reaching the Champions League final.

The Manchester City and Portugal defender beat competition from runner-up Harry Kane of Tottenham and England, while Kevin De Bruyne, also of City, came third.

Previous Winners – Footballer of the year

Women’s Footballer of the Year Award

This award was set up in 2018 to honour the best women footballers playing in England. The inaugural winner was Fran Kirby of Chelsea, and 2019’s winner was Nikita Parris of Manchester City. Viivenne Miedema, Arsenal’s Dutch striker, won the award in 2020.

THIS YEAR’S WINNER

Fran Kirby

Chelsea and England striker Fran Kirby won our poll of FWA members who regularly cover women’s football for the second time. She was the inaugural winner in 2018, and a unanimous winner this time for her remarkable comeback from serious illness, helping Chelsea become winners of the FA Women’s Super League and runners-up in the Champions League.  Well done Fran.

FWA Tribute Award

The FWA Tribute Award is presented on an annual basis to an individual that the committee feels has made an outstanding contribution to the national game.

The Award is traditionally presented at a gala dinner at The Savoy hotel in January.

THIS YEAR’S WINNER:

Marcus Rashford

The Manchester United and England striker was honoured his outstanding charitable work and campaigning for under privileged children to be fed. He was interviewed by Carrie Brown here:

https://youtu.be/tVI24GAF88M

Previous Winners – Tribute


The FWA are committed to improving both press facilities and relationships with all football clubs throughout the divisions. If you have an issue you would like to raise,
Click here to email the FWA National Committee.

Football Writers' Association Est. 1947. This site Copyright © Football Writers' Association. Photography © Action Images