Manchester City’s Erling Haaland is a strong contender to win the PFA Player of the Year award for a second consecutive year, having been shortlisted after scoring 27 goals last season to become the Premier League’s top scorer.
Chelsea’s Lauren James has the opportunity to make history by winning both the PFA Young Player of the Year and PFA Player of the Year awards in the same year.
At just 22 years old, James is also included on the shortlist for the Young Player of the Year.
Joining Haaland on the men’s shortlist are his Manchester City teammates Phil Foden and Rodri, as well as Chelsea striker Cole Palmer, Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard, and Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins.
For the women’s award, James is up against Chelsea teammates Niamh Charles and Erin Cuthbert, alongside Manchester City players Yui Hasegawa, Lauren Hemp, and Khadija Shaw.
The winners of the awards will be announced on Tuesday, August 20.
Title holders have three players on the list, while Palmer’s season recognised
Haaland is one of three Manchester City players on the six-person shortlist for the PFA Men’s Player of the Year award.
Phil Foden, a two-time PFA Young Player of the Year, had an outstanding season under Pep Guardiola, scoring 27 goals and becoming the youngest player to win six Premier League titles.
Rodri, who won the European Championship with Spain this summer, is included for his consistently impressive performances in Manchester City’s midfield.
Cole Palmer, a former Manchester City player, is recognized for his excellent debut season at Chelsea. Palmer, who was also shortlisted for the Young Player of the Year award, led the league in goal involvements with 22 goals and 11 assists.
Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard, who was on last year’s shortlist, is acknowledged for contributing eight assists and scoring eight goals from midfield last season.
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is celebrated for his stellar performances, scoring 19 goals and providing 13 assists, helping his team finish fourth in the Premier League.
Chelsea and Man City players dominate women’s category
The shortlist for the PFA Women’s Player of the Year features exclusively players from Chelsea and Manchester City.
Lauren James is recognized for her impressive performance, scoring 13 goals in 16 games to help Chelsea secure the Women’s Super League title.
Erin Cuthbert’s consistent displays in Chelsea’s midfield throughout their successful season have earned her a spot on the shortlist.
Chelsea captain Niamh Charles also makes the list after playing every league match and leading the Blues to the title.
Manchester City’s Bunny Shaw is included after finishing as the league’s top scorer with 22 goals, eight more than any other player.
Lauren Hemp, a four-time Young Player of the Year, is shortlisted for the senior award for the first time after netting 13 goals last season.
City’s Yui Hasegawa rounds out the shortlist with her standout performances in midfield, and she could become the first Japanese player to win the award.