• England star posting personal-best numbers
• Looking to land more major silverware
• Gunners midfielder takes runner-up spot

WHAT HAPPENED?

England international Foden has enjoyed a stunning season at the Etihad Stadium, posting a personal-best goal return of 24 efforts across all competitions. He still has City in the hunt for a fourth consecutive Premier League title and another FA Cup win – following the Blues’ historic Treble triumph from 2023.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Foden is the third City player, after Ruben Dias and Erling Haaland, to win the FWA award in the last four years. It has been revealed that he took 42 per cent of the vote, allowing him to nudge Arsenal midfielder Rice into second and club colleague Rodri into a bronze medal spot. Arsenal captain Odegaard, Chelsea playmaker Palmer and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins completed the top six.

WHAT FODEN SAID

Foden has told the FWA of seeing his fine form recognised with a prestigious prize: “Being named the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year is a huge honour. I’m very, very happy to receive this award but I could not have done it without the help of my team-mates. We have a very special squad of players at City, and I’m privileged to be a part of that group. I want to thank all my team-mates as well as Pep and the coaches for all the support and advice they have given me. I strive to be the best that I can be every single day and that is all down to the way the manager and my colleagues always seek to improve and get better. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who voted for me as well as my fellow nominees. I’m immensely proud to have won this award. Now I am focused on seeking to finish the season as strongly as possible and to try to help City win more trophies.”

WHAT NEXT?

City have Foden tied to a contract through to 2027, meaning that they stand to benefit from the 23-year-old’s considerable talents for some time yet. England will also be hoping to bring the best out of him this summer as they prepare to go in search of Euro 2024 glory on German soil.