Egypt and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah on Friday won the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Men’s Player of the Yeason award, Afrosport reports.
Salah won the award for the third time, joining former Arsenal forward Thierry Henry as the players to have achieved such a feat.
The 32-year-old won a whopping 90% of the votes cast by over 900 FWA members, marking the biggest winning margin this century.
Salah has enjoyed one of the best seasons in the Premier League, scoring 28 goals and providing 18 assists to help Liverpool win a second Premier League title and their 20th English League title.
The Egyptian broke the record for the most goal involvements in a single 38-game Premier League campaign, including scoring five goals and five assists across both the Champions League and League Cup.
The former Chelsea and Roma forward, who recently penned a new two-year deal to remain at Liverpool until 2027, beat teammate Virgil van Dijk, who finished second in the vote, while Newcastle striker Alexander Isak and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice were third and fourth, respectively.
FWA chair John Cross said: “Rarely has there been a more popular winner than Mo. 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.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal striker Alessia Russo claimed the FWA Women’s Player of the Yeason award, having notched 20 goals and three assists in 36 matches across all competitions.
Russo, who became the second Arsenal player to win the honor, and Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw, who won the award last year.
The 26-year-old has scored 12 goals and provided two assists in 20 matches in the Women’s Super League this season, with the Gunners in second. She also has eight goals in the Women’s Champions League, with Arsenal set to face holders Barcelona in the final on 24 May.
Russo’s Arsenal teammate Mariona Caldentey finished third, while Chelsea defender Millie Bright came fourth.
