Football fans witnessed a night of pure drama yesterday at the 2025 PFA Awards in Manchester a night that wasn’t just about trophies, but about rewriting history, celebrating icons, and uncovering the next generation of stars. From Mohamed Salah’s jaw-dropping record to the rise of new heroes in both the men’s and women’s game, this year’s ceremony left fans stunned and buzzing.

Mohamed Salah: The King Who Refuses to Step Down

When Mohamed Salah walked up to collect the PFA Men’s Player of the Year award, the football world stood still. Why? Because Salah has now done what no other player in history has achieved he has won it three times. Not Thierry Henry. Not Cristiano Ronaldo. Not Kevin De Bruyne. Salah alone.

The Egyptian’s numbers last season were outrageous: 29 Premier League goals and 18 assists as Liverpool stormed to yet another league title. But beyond the stats, it’s his consistency, leadership, and hunger that has left even rivals nodding in respect. Liverpool fans roared with pride, while neutral fans admitted this was the coronation of a legend.

Women’s Football Steals the Spotlight

If Salah dominated the men’s stage, the women’s awards carried just as much shock and fire. Mariona Caldentey, Arsenal’s midfield magician, lifted the PFA Women’s Player of the Year award after a debut season that delivered Champions League glory. Her technical brilliance and game-changing presence were impossible to ignore.

But the headlines didn’t end there. Olivia Smith, the Canadian wonderkid who signed for Arsenal in a record £1 million deal, was named Women’s Young Player of the Year. In one swoop, she shattered both records and expectations, instantly becoming a rising face of women’s football.

Rising Stars in the Men’s Game

On the men’s side, Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa clinched the Men’s Young Player of the Year. His explosive rise and crucial role in Villa’s European push has put his name on every fan’s lips. Remember the name because Rogers isn’t going anywhere.

Across the Leagues: Heroes Beyond the Premier League

The PFA didn’t just honor Premier League giants. Across English football, unsung heroes had their moments:

James Trafford of Burnley was crowned Championship Player of the Year after a record-breaking season in goal.

Richard Kone of Wycombe claimed League One Player of the Year, proving hard work still gets rewarded.

Michael Cheek of Bromley stunned many as he scooped League Two Player of the Year, showing magic exists even in the lower tiers.

The Team of the Year: Liverpool Paint It Red

When the Premier League Team of the Year was announced, one club dominated. Liverpool. Five of their stars Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and new signing Milos Kerkez all made the cut. Newcastle’s Alexander Isak joined the frontline, cementing himself as one of the most feared strikers in England. Arsenal and Nottingham Forest stars Gabriel, Saliba, Declan Rice, Woods and  Matz Selz also found their way into the spotlight, but the message was clear: this was Liverpool’s night.

Special Honors: Legends Beyond the Pitch

The PFA also took a moment to recognize legends who have shaped the game off the pitch. Sir Gareth Southgate was awarded a Special Merit Award for his leadership and transformation of English football culture, while Emma Hayes, Chelsea’s iconic coach, was honored for her remarkable contribution to the women’s game. Both received standing ovations that reminded everyone football is bigger than 90 minutes on the pitch.

Why This Night Mattered

This wasn’t just another awards night. It was a moment when football’s past, present, and future collided:

Salah has officially entered the pantheon of the greatest players ever in English football.

Women’s football made headlines with Caldentey’s brilliance and Smith’s record-breaking rise.

Rising stars like Rogers showed that the next generation is ready to take over.

Clubs across the leagues were reminded that excellence exists everywhere from the Premier League down to League Two.