Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has been named Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association, with Chelsea striker Sam Kerr taking home the women’s award.
The 22-year-old Haaland has had an outstanding first season with City, scoring 51 goals across all competitions to help Pep Guardiola’s team win the Premier League and advance to the FA Cup final as well as the Champions League semifinals.
The Arsenal duo of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka were defeated by the Norwegian international, who received 82% of the FWA vote.
He said: “To win the FWA award in my first season in English football is an honour.
“I try every single day to be the best I can be and to be recognised like this means a lot to me.
“I have loved my time at City so far. My team-mates are incredible and provide me with the chances to score goals.
“I want to thank all of them because I could not have won this award without them. I also owe so much to Pep and the team behind the team here at City.
“I am now focused on ensuring I finish the season as strongly as possible and helping City win trophies.”
Australia striker Kerr, 29, has won the women’s Footballer of the Year award for the second successive season, with Aston Villa’s Rachel Daly and Chelsea team-mate Lauren James completing the top three.
Kerr currently has 26 goals in 34 club appearances this season as Chelsea, currently second in the Women’s Super League table, reached the FA Cup final and also the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Haaland and Kerr are set to receive their awards at the FWA Footballer of the Year 75th anniversary dinner in London on May 25.