On a memorable Tuesday evening at the Manchester Opera House, football history was made as Mohamed Salah etched his name deeper into the annals of English football folklore. The Egyptian maestro became the first player in the award’s distinguished history to claim the PFA Players’ Player of the Year trophy for a third time, adding the 2024-25 accolade to his previous triumphs in 2017-18 and 2021-22. This unprecedented achievement not only underscores Salah’s remarkable consistency at the highest level but also caps off what many consider to be one of the most dominant individual seasons in recent Premier League history.
The 2024-25 campaign will be remembered as the season when Mohamed Salah truly announced himself as one of the Premier League’s all-time greats. His statistics tell a story of relentless productivity and match-winning ability that proved instrumental in Liverpool’s successful title charge. With 29 goals and 18 assists across all competitions, Salah didn’t just lead Liverpool’s attack; he orchestrated it with the precision of a conductor leading a symphony orchestra.
What made Salah’s performances particularly remarkable was not just the raw numbers, but the manner in which he delivered when his team needed him most. Throughout the grueling Premier League season, the Egyptian winger consistently rose to the occasion in crucial moments, scoring decisive goals against title rivals and providing the creative spark that separated Liverpool from their competitors. His ability to perform under pressure, particularly in high-stakes encounters, demonstrated the mental fortitude that separates good players from genuine legends of the game.
The statistics, while impressive, only tell part of Salah’s story during the 2024-25 season. His 29 goals came from a variety of situations – thunderous strikes from outside the box, perfectly timed runs into the penalty area, and clinical finishes that showcased his complete arsenal as a forward. Meanwhile, his 18 assists highlighted an often-overlooked aspect of his game: his ability to elevate the performances of his teammates. Whether threading through balls to Darwin Núñez, creating space for Diogo Jota, or providing the final pass for midfield runners, Salah’s vision and execution were consistently world-class.
The quality of this year’s shortlist reflected the exceptional standard of the Premier League, with each nominee bringing their own compelling case for recognition. Bruno Fernandes, despite Manchester United’s disappointing campaign, emerged as a beacon of creativity and leadership for his struggling side. The Portuguese midfielder’s eight goals and ten assists in the Premier League represented a significant contribution to a team that often lacked direction and cohesion. His ability to maintain high standards amid the chaos at Old Trafford spoke volumes about his character and professionalism.
Alexander Isak’s inclusion on the shortlist was particularly noteworthy, given his status as Liverpool’s primary transfer target. The Swedish striker’s goal-scoring exploits for Newcastle United throughout the season made him the second-highest scorer behind Salah, demonstrating the clinical finishing ability that has made him one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards. His performances not only elevated Newcastle’s attacking threat but also intensified speculation about a potential summer move to Anfield, adding an intriguing subplot to his nomination.
Declan Rice’s nomination reflected his transformative impact at Arsenal following his high-profile move from West Ham United. The English midfielder’s defensive solidity and leadership qualities proved crucial as the Gunners mounted another title challenge, even though they ultimately fell short of their Premier League ambitions. Rice’s ability to break up opposition attacks while contributing to Arsenal’s build-up play demonstrated the complete skill set that made him one of the summer’s most expensive acquisitions.
Cole Palmer’s inclusion highlighted the emergence of one of English football’s most promising talents. The young Chelsea midfielder’s goal-scoring output and creative flair provided numerous bright moments during what was otherwise an inconsistent season for the Blues. His ability to find the net from midfield positions and create chances for his teammates suggested a player with the potential to become a long-term cornerstone of both club and country.
Alexis Mac Allister’s nomination recognized his integral role in Liverpool’s midfield revolution. The Argentine’s partnership with Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai formed the engine room that powered Liverpool’s title-winning campaign. His technical ability, work rate, and tactical intelligence provided the perfect complement to Salah’s attacking brilliance, creating a synergy that proved devastating for opposition teams throughout the season.
The PFA Awards ceremony celebrated excellence across multiple levels of English football, recognizing talent from the Premier League down to the Championship and beyond. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers claimed the PFA Young Player of the Year award, highlighting his breakthrough season and establishing himself as one of the most promising talents in English football. Rogers’ development under Unai Emery’s guidance exemplified the importance of proper mentorship and tactical education in nurturing young players.
In the women’s game, Mariona Caldentey’s recognition as the Women’s Super League Player of the Year underscored the continued growth and professionalism of women’s football. Her performances throughout the season demonstrated the technical quality and tactical sophistication that has made the WSL one of the world’s premier women’s football competitions.
The Championship’s representation came through James Trafford, whose outstanding season with Burnley before his move to Manchester City highlighted the quality that exists beyond the Premier League’s spotlight. Trafford’s shot-stopping ability and distribution skills were instrumental in Burnley’s campaign, earning him recognition as one of English football’s most promising goalkeepers.
The PFA Players’ Player of the Year award carries particular significance because it represents recognition from the player’s professional peers. The voting process, conducted by members of the Professional Footballers’ Association, involves a two-stage system designed to ensure fairness and prevent bias. An initial vote narrows down the field to create a shortlist, followed by a second vote that determines the eventual winner. Crucially, players cannot vote for their own teammates, ensuring that the award truly reflects cross-industry recognition rather than club loyalty.
This peer-recognition aspect makes Salah’s third triumph even more meaningful. It suggests that fellow professionals, who understand the demands and pressures of top-level football better than anyone, consistently view him as the outstanding performer in English football. The fact that players from rival clubs regularly vote for Salah speaks to the respect he has earned throughout the league and the undeniable quality of his performances.
Salah’s achievement in winning three PFA Players’ Player of the Year awards places him in exclusive company within English football history. Previous multiple winners of the award have included some of the game’s greatest players, but none had managed to claim it on three separate occasions. This feat speaks to Salah’s remarkable longevity and consistency at the highest level, particularly impressive given the physical and mental demands of the Premier League.
The Egyptian’s journey to this historic achievement began with his record-breaking debut season at Liverpool in 2017-18, when his 44 goals across all competitions shattered expectations and established him as one of world football’s elite performers. His second award in 2021-22 confirmed that his initial success was no fluke, demonstrating his ability to maintain world-class standards over multiple seasons. This third triumph, however, represents something even more significant: proof that Salah has sustained excellence over nearly a decade in one of football’s most competitive environments
Salah’s individual accolade cannot be separated from Liverpool’s collective triumph in winning the Premier League title. His 29 goals and 18 assists were not merely personal achievements but crucial contributions to a team effort that saw the Reds return to the summit of English football. The symbiotic relationship between Salah’s individual brilliance and Liverpool’s tactical system under their management created a perfect storm of attacking football that proved too much for their rivals to handle.
Throughout the season, Salah’s understanding of Jürgen Klopp’s tactical demands and his ability to execute them at the highest level exemplified the marriage of individual talent and collective philosophy. His movement off the ball created space for teammates, his pressing from the front set the tone for Liverpool’s defensive intensity, and his clinical finishing provided the goals that turned draws into wins and defeats into victories.
The Egyptian’s chemistry with his Liverpool teammates, particularly in the final third, reached new heights during the 2024-25 campaign. His combinations with players like Darwin Núñez, Diogo Jota, and Luis Díaz created a fluid attacking unit that consistently troubled opposition defenses. Meanwhile, his relationship with the midfield trio of Mac Allister, Gravenberch, and Szoboszlai provided the perfect platform for his attacking instincts to flourish.
One of the most significant developments surrounding Salah’s award win was the resolution of his contract situation at Liverpool. After months of speculation about his future at Anfield, the Egyptian winger signed a contract extension that secured his services for the foreseeable future. This development not only ended the uncertainty that had surrounded his status but also demonstrated Liverpool’s commitment to building their future around their talismanic forward.
The contract extension represents more than just a financial commitment; it signals Liverpool’s belief that Salah can continue performing at the highest level for years to come. At an age when many players begin to decline, Salah continues to demonstrate the physical condition, technical ability, and mental sharpness that have made him one of world football’s most feared attackers.
With his individual recognition secured and his future at Liverpool confirmed, Salah now turns his attention to the new season and the challenges that lie ahead. Liverpool’s opening victory over Bournemouth provided an encouraging start to their title defense, but the true tests await in the coming weeks and months.
The upcoming fixture against Newcastle United carries particular intrigue, given Alexander Isak’s presence in Eddie Howe’s squad and his rumored desire to join Liverpool. The match represents an opportunity for Salah to demonstrate why he remains Liverpool’s first-choice attacking option while potentially facing a player who could become his future teammate.
The presence of Alexander Isak on the PFA shortlist added an intriguing dimension to the awards ceremony, given the widespread speculation linking the Swedish striker with a move to Liverpool. Isak’s goal-scoring record throughout the 2024-25 season, which made him the second-highest scorer behind Salah, has apparently caught the attention of Liverpool’s recruitment team.
The potential arrival of Isak at Anfield would create fascinating tactical possibilities for Liverpool’s management. The prospect of Salah and Isak combining in Liverpool’s attack represents an exciting scenario for Reds supporters, offering the potential for one of the most formidable forward partnerships in European football. However, any potential transfer would need to navigate the complexities of Newcastle’s valuation and Isak’s personal terms.
One of the most impressive aspects of Salah’s 2024-25 season was his continued tactical evolution under Liverpool’s coaching staff. While maintaining his devastating pace and clinical finishing, the Egyptian has added new dimensions to his game that make him an even more complete player. His improved link-up play, enhanced defensive contribution, and increased leadership responsibilities demonstrated a player committed to continuous improvement.
Salah’s positional flexibility throughout the campaign allowed Liverpool’s management to utilize him in various tactical setups, from traditional right-wing positions to more central attacking roles. This adaptability not only maximized his own impact but also provided tactical solutions for different opponents and match situations.
Perhaps the most underrated aspect of Salah’s success has been his mental resilience and ability to perform under intense pressure. The expectations that accompany being Liverpool’s star player and one of the Premier League’s highest-profile performers would overwhelm many players, but Salah has consistently thrived in this environment.
His ability to ignore external distractions, whether related to contract negotiations or transfer speculation, while maintaining focus on his on-field performances, demonstrates the mental strength that separates elite performers from merely talented players. This psychological robustness has been a constant throughout his Liverpool career and was particularly evident during the 2024-25 campaign.
Mohamed Salah’s historic third PFA Players’ Player of the Year award represents more than just individual recognition; it marks another chapter in the story of one of the Premier League’s greatest ever players. His sustained excellence over multiple seasons, combined with his crucial role in Liverpool’s success, has established him as a modern icon of English football.
As Salah continues his career at Liverpool with his future secured, the possibility of further individual accolades and collective success remains tantalizing. His journey from relatively unknown Roma winger to three-time PFA Player of the Year winner serves as an inspiration to players worldwide and a testament to the rewards of dedication, professionalism, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
The Egyptian’s impact extends far beyond statistics and trophies, however. His success has helped elevate the profile of African football, inspired a generation of young players, and contributed to some of the most memorable moments in recent Premier League history. As he embarks on the next phase of his Liverpool career, one thing remains certain: Mohamed Salah’s legacy in English football is already secure, and the best may still be yet to come.
