Foden wins EA SPORTS Player of the Season award

Phil Foden has been voted the 2023/24 EA SPORTS Player of the Season. 

Foden, just 23 years of age, has been a pivotal part of a Manchester City side just one win away from becoming the first team in history to win four consecutive Premier League titles. 

He has scored 17 goals and set up a further eight, directly contributing to 25 goals in 34 Premier League appearances to help Man City top the table by just two points from Arsenal heading into the final day. 

“To win this award is an achievement that I am extremely proud of,” Foden told Man City’s official website.

“The Premier League is acknowledged as the greatest league in the world, and it is a pleasure to have been nominated with so many other great players who have all enjoyed special seasons for their clubs.”

The England star has played both centrally and on the wing and has played the second-most minutes of any Man City outfield player this season, stepping up in the absence of injured playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, who has missed more than half of City’s matches.

In March, Man City manager Pep Guardiola called him “the best player in the Premier League”, and if City beat West Ham United on the final day, Foden will be the youngest player ever to win six Premier League titles.

It is the fifth consecutive campaign a Man City star has been the EA SPORTS Player of the Season. Haaland won it last season, while De Bruyne claimed it in 2019/20 and 2021/22, with Ruben Dias winning it in 2020/21.

See: EVERY EA SPORTS Player of the Season

Foden wins the award for the first time of his career. He tops an eight-man shortlist that also included Haaland, Alexander Isak, Martin Odegaard, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Virgil van Dijk and Ollie Watkins, after votes from the public were combined with those of a panel of football experts. 

What the panelists say

Some members of the Premier League awards panel reveal why they voted for Foden.

Alan Shearer, all-time leading PL goalscorer
“His performances this season have gone to another level with the added goals and assists. He’s an integral part of a brilliant team.”

Mark Schwarzer, former goalkeeper
“Phil Foden has evolved into one of the most exciting and best footballers on the planet. You always feel that the impossible is possible when he is on the ball, all while he keeps you mesmerised as he glides past defenders. Who wouldn’t want to watch this guy play football?”

Lynsey Hipgrave, broadcaster, TNT Sports
“Phil has the been the star player in a team oozing talent and that is no easy feat. He’s elevated his game to a different level, producing in the big moments and deciding games. Now we can all see why Pep Guardiola once said he was the most talented player he’s ever seen.”

Glenn Hoddle, former player and manager
“What a talent he is. I first saw him at 17 years old and said then City have a wonderful talent on their hands. I’m sure bhe will play a big part in England’s challenge to win Euro 2024.”

John Cross, journalist
“An absolute joy to watch. He has taken his game to new heights. I love the way he has stepped up this season and taken on a greater responsibility when Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne have been out injured and indeed after Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan left last summer. He is also an inspiration to young players because he is a homegrown talent who has come through the academy. The club means everything to him.”