Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Aston Villa’s Rachel Daly have been honored with the PFA Players’ Player of the Year awards for their outstanding performances in English football’s 2023 season.

Erling Haaland, the striker for Manchester City, claimed the prestigious PFA Players’ Player of the Year award following a remarkable debut season with the club. Haaland’s exceptional performance saw him net an impressive 52 goals across all competitions, contributing significantly to Manchester City’s triumphant campaign that secured the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League titles under the guidance of manager Pep Guardiola. Haaland’s accomplishments were acknowledged by his fellow players, placing him ahead of notable contenders including his teammates John Stones and Kevin De Bruyne, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane.

On the women’s side, Rachel Daly, representing Aston Villa, secured the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award. Daly’s contribution was particularly remarkable, as she garnered 22 goals in the Women’s Super League during the previous season. Her versatility was evident as she transitioned from left-back during the successful Euros campaign with the England national team in 2022 to a key goal scorer for her club. Her significant impact on the pitch led to her victory over competitors Sam Kerr, Frida Maanum, Guro Reiten, Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, and Ona Batlle.

In the realm of young talents, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka clinched the PFA Young Player of the Year award for his remarkable performances on the men’s side. Chelsea’s Lauren James earned the corresponding honor in the women’s category.

Rachel Daly and Lauren James both played pivotal roles in England’s journey to the Women’s World Cup final, though it concluded in defeat against Spain earlier this month. Despite the loss, their contributions were recognized and celebrated by fellow players.

The PFA Players’ Player of the Year awards, organized by the Professional Footballers’ Association, serve as a testament to the outstanding performances and contributions of these remarkable athletes in English football during the 2023 season.