ENGLAND – Mohamed Salah and Alessia Russo have been named the Football Writers’ Association Men’s and Women’s Players of the Season, capping off exceptional campaigns for the Liverpool and Arsenal forwards.
Salah, 32, was instrumental in Liverpool’s triumphant Premier League title run, racking up 28 goals and 18 assists—setting a new record for goal involvements in a 38-game season. His dominant performances also carried over into Europe, where he added three goals and four assists in the Champions League, guiding Liverpool to the round of 16.
The Egyptian international secured a staggering 90% of the vote from over 900 FWA members, the highest margin of victory in the 21st century. He edged out Liverpool teammate Virgil van Dijk, Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice to claim the honour for a third time, matching Thierry Henry as the only players to achieve the feat.
Salah’s stellar season was further rewarded with a new two-year contract extension, keeping him at Anfield until 2027.
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On the women’s side, Arsenal striker Alessia Russo was recognised for her standout season, surpassing last year’s winner Khadija Shaw to become only the second Arsenal player to claim the award.
Russo tallied 12 goals and two assists in the Women’s Super League, helping Arsenal remain in contention near the top of the table. Her impact extended to Europe, where she has notched eight goals and two assists en route to the Women’s Champions League final. Arsenal are set to face defending champions Barcelona in Lisbon on May 24.
Russo outpaced Arsenal teammate Mariona Caldentey and Chelsea’s Millie Bright in the voting, underscoring her importance to the Gunners’ domestic and continental campaigns.
The FWA awards recognise the best individual performers in English football, as voted by members of the Football Writers’ Association.