Manchester City’s star striker Erling Haaland is in the race to win the PFA Player of the Year award for the second year in a row, while Chelsea’s Lauren James is on the verge of making history with a potential double win.
Haaland, who finished last season as the Premier League’s top scorer with 27 goals, has been named on the six-player shortlist for the men’s category. His outstanding performance puts him in strong contention for the prestigious award once again.
In the women’s category, Lauren James has been shortlisted for the Player of the Year award, raising the possibility of her becoming the first woman to win both the PFA Young Player of the Year and the PFA Player of the Year awards in the same year. The 22-year-old was also named on the Young Player of the Year shortlist.
Haaland is joined on the men’s shortlist by his Manchester City teammates Phil Foden and Rodri. Other nominees include Chelsea forward Cole Palmer, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
For the women’s award, James’ Chelsea teammates Niamh Charles and Erin Cuthbert are also in the running, along with Manchester City’s Yui Hasegawa, Lauren Hemp, and Khadija Shaw.
The winners of the PFA awards will be announced on Tuesday, August 20.
Manchester City Players Lead Men’s Shortlist
Haaland is one of three Manchester City players nominated for the men’s award. Phil Foden, who scored 27 goals last season and became the youngest player to win six Premier League titles, is also on the list. Rodri, a key figure in Manchester City’s midfield and a European Championship winner this summer, completes the trio.
Former Manchester City player Cole Palmer, now at Chelsea, is recognized for his impressive debut season, where he contributed 22 goals and 11 assists. Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, who provided eight assists and scored eight goals last season, and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, who scored 19 goals and provided 13 assists, are also among the nominees.
Chelsea and Manchester City Dominate Women’s Shortlist
The women’s shortlist is entirely made up of players from Chelsea and Manchester City. Lauren James is recognized for her remarkable 13 goals in 16 games, which helped Chelsea secure the Women’s Super League title. Erin Cuthbert’s consistent performances in midfield and Niamh Charles’ leadership as captain, having played every league game, also earned them spots on the list.
Manchester City’s Bunny Shaw, who finished last season as the league’s top scorer with 22 goals, is a strong contender. Her teammates, Lauren Hemp, who makes the senior shortlist for the first time after scoring 13 goals, and Yui Hasegawa, who had an impressive season in midfield, are also in the running. Hasegawa could become the first Japanese player to win the award.
