Mohamed Salah wins Footballer of the Year award for 3rd time, matches Thierry Henry's record

Mohamed Salah has been named the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year for 2025, marking the third time the Liverpool star has claimed the honour. His performances this season have been instrumental in guiding Liverpool to their 20th top-flight title, equalling Manchester United's all-time English league record, and cementing Salah’s place among Premier League greats.Salah earned the award after scoring 28 goals and providing 18 assists in the Premier League this season, appearing in every match under manager Arne Slot. His 46 total goal involvements are just one shy of the all-time record for a Premier League campaign, set by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole in a 42-game season. Crucially, Salah broke the record for most goal involvements in a 38-game season, showcasing his consistency and impact.The Egyptian forward secured almost 90 percent of the votes, the largest winning margin this century, according to the FWA. This third win places him alongside Thierry Henry, who won the award three times between 2002-2006. In the past 30 years, only Cristiano Ronaldo has also won the award more than once.Salah first won the FWA award in 2017-18, during his debut season at Liverpool, and again in 2021-22. His form this season makes him a frontrunner for both the Premier League Player of the Season and the Players’ Player of the Year accolades.In April, Salah put an end to transfer speculation by signing a two-year contract extension that will keep him at Anfield until 2027. At 32, his decision to stay has further bolstered Liverpool’s hopes of winning a record 21st title next season, surpassing long-time rivals Manchester United.The 2024-25 title win was Liverpool’s second in five years, having last lifted the trophy in 2019-20 under Jürgen Klopp. That season, Jordan Henderson won the Footballer of the Year award. This year, Salah edged out teammate Virgil van Dijk (2nd), Alexander Isak of Newcastle (3rd), and Declan Rice of Arsenal (4th).On the women’s side, Alessia Russo of Arsenal was named Women’s Footballer of the Year, winning the award for the first time. The England international scored 22 goals across the Women’s Super League and Women’s Champions League, playing a pivotal role in Arsenal’s journey to the Women’s Champions League final, where they will face Barcelona in Lisbon on May 24.Russo finished ahead of Khadija Shaw (last year’s winner from Manchester City), Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal), and Millie Bright (Chelsea captain).