Salah, who previously claimed the FWA accolade in 2018 and 2022, now stands alongside Arsenal icon Thierry Henry as the only players to have received the honor on three occasions. The FWA's award, established in 1948, holds the distinction of being the oldest individual football award in the world, carrying significant weight within the English game.
The FWA revealed the overwhelming nature of Salah's victory, stating that he garnered an astonishing 90% of the votes cast by over 900 members. This remarkable margin of victory was described as the "biggest winning margin this century," underscoring the profound impact the Egyptian star has had this season. His Liverpool teammate, influential defender Virgil van Dijk, finished as the runner-up, while Newcastle's dynamic striker Alexander Isak claimed third place.
Salah's statistics speak volumes about his pivotal role in Liverpool's success. He currently leads the Premier League in both goals (28) and assists (18), spearheading the Reds to their second league title in the past five years. His consistent brilliance and decisive contributions have made him an undeniable choice for the coveted award.
On the women's side, Alessia Russo emerged victorious, edging out Manchester City's formidable striker Khadija Shaw and her Arsenal teammate Mariona Caldentey. FWA chair John Cross highlighted Russo's standout performances in the Women's Champions League as a key factor in her triumph.
Russo has been instrumental in Arsenal's impressive campaign. The Gunners currently sit second in the Women's Super League and have reached the final of the Champions League after a notable victory over eight-time winners Lyon in the semifinals. They are now set to face Barcelona in the title decider, with Russo's contributions proving vital to their European success. The awards for both Salah and Russo underscore the exceptional talent and impactful performances witnessed in English football this season.