Salah Joins Thierry Henry with a Third FWA Footballer of the Year Triumph
In a season where individual brilliance has often stolen the spotlight, Mohamed Salah has once again proven that class is permanent. Liverpool’s Egyptian king has etched his name even deeper into English football history by claiming his third Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year award — an honour previously matched by only one other legend of the Premier League: Thierry Henry.
With this latest accolade, Mohamed Salah joins the Frenchman in the exclusive club of players who have lifted the FWA trophy three times, following his earlier wins in the 2017/18 and 2021/22 campaigns. Now, in the 2024/25 season, Mohamed Salah’s performances have not only dazzled fans and terrified defenders, but also united the footballing press in agreement — a rare feat in itself.
A Season to Remember: Goals, Assists, and History-Making Numbers
Salah’s stats this season read like something out of a footballing fairytale. With three games still remaining, he has already bagged 28 Premier League goals and added 18 assists. That’s 46 goal involvements — a figure that puts him ahead of past record holders like Erling Haaland and Thierry Henry. Think about that for a second: Mohamed Salah, at 32 years old, is outpacing peak Haaland and vintage Henry in arguably the most competitive league in world football.
And this isn’t just about numbers. Sure, stats matter — especially when you’re chasing a title. But anyone who has watched Liverpool’s campaign this season knows that Mohamed Salah’s influence goes well beyond goals and assists. He has been the heartbeat of this title-winning team. Whether cutting in from the right flank to curl one into the far corner or delivering the perfect final ball for a teammate, Mohamed Salah has operated at a level that only a handful of players in football history can consistently reach.
Matching a Legend: Henry’s Long-Standing Record Equalled
For years, Thierry Henry’s three FWA awards stood as a towering benchmark. The Arsenal icon won the honour in 2002/03, 2003/04, and again in 2005/06 — a period during which he dominated the Premier League with his grace, vision, and lethal finishing. No one had come close to matching that record since. Until now.
Salah’s third FWA award not only equals Henry’s tally, but it arguably came in even more emphatic fashion. According to the FWA, Mohamed Salah collected 90% of the vote this season — the largest winning margin in over two decades. That’s a staggering level of consensus in an era where debates rage on social media and pundit panels alike.
FWA Chair John Cross perhaps put it best when he wrote, “Rarely has there been a more popular winner than Mo.” And he’s right. There’s something universally admired about Mohamed Salah — his humility, his work ethic, and his sheer love for the game have made him a fan favourite far beyond the red half of Merseyside.
A Look Back: The Company Mohamed Salah Keeps
Winning this award once is an incredible achievement. Winning it three times places you among the immortals. Just take a look at the list of players with multiple FWA Footballer of the Year titles:
- Thierry Henry – 3 (2002/03, 2003/04, 2005/06)
- Mohamed Salah – 3 (2017/18, 2021/22, 2024/25)
- Stanley Matthews – 2 (1947/48, 1962/63)
- Tom Finney – 2 (1953/54, 1956/57)
- Danny Blanchflower – 2 (1957/58, 1960/61)
- Kenny Dalglish – 2 (1978/79, 1982/83)
- John Barnes – 2 (1987/88, 1989/90)
- Gary Lineker – 2 (1985/86, 1991/92)
- Cristiano Ronaldo – 2 (2006/07, 2007/08)
To be mentioned in the same breath as these names is no small feat. Mohamed Salah has now solidified his place not just in Liverpool folklore, but also in the broader narrative of English football greatness.
The Bigger Picture: Mohamed Salah’s Role in Liverpool’s 20th Title
Beyond individual glory, Mohamed Salah has once again been instrumental in delivering collective success. His contributions have helped Liverpool clinch their 20th English top-flight title — drawing level with Manchester United. For a club that prides itself on its history and tradition, this is massive.
And it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Liverpool faced challenges throughout the season, including injuries, fixture congestion, and the pressure of keeping pace with relentless rivals like Manchester City and Arsenal. But time and again, it was Mohamed Salah who stepped up. Whether it was a decisive goal in a tense away match or a moment of magic that changed the course of a game, he delivered.
Humble as Ever
Despite his achievements, Mohamed Salah remains the same grounded, humble figure he’s always been. He rarely courts the spotlight and often deflects praise to his teammates, the coaching staff, and the fans. But make no mistake — his hunger and ambition still burn brightly. After picking up the award, Mohamed Salah spoke briefly to thank his teammates and supporters, calling the FWA recognition “an honour I’ll never take for granted.”
It’s this mix of talent and humility that makes Mohamed Salah such a beloved figure — not just in Liverpool, not just in Egypt, but across the footballing world.
What Comes Next?
At 32, some might wonder how many more peak seasons Mohamed Salah has in him. But judging by his performances this year, he’s showing no signs of slowing down. If anything, he seems to be getting even smarter with his movement, sharper with his decision-making, and more dangerous in front of goal.
With his contract running through to 2026, Liverpool fans will be hoping for at least one or two more magical campaigns from their talisman. Whether he stays at Anfield until the end of his career or embarks on a new challenge someday, one thing is certain — Mohamed Salah has already left a legacy that will be remembered for generations.
Final Thoughts
In a league full of superstars, it takes something truly special to rise above the rest. This season, Mohamed Salah has done just that. With record-breaking stats, a third FWA Footballer of the Year award, and yet another Premier League title under his belt, it’s clear that we are witnessing one of the greats in action.
So here’s to Mohamed Salah — the man who keeps rewriting the script, setting the bar higher, and doing it all with a smile. Football is lucky to have him.
