PFA Young Player of the Year — full list of winners

The Professional Footballers’ Association’s Young Player of the Year award, presented annually in English football, was first handed out in the 1973–74 season. Bukayo Saka is the current holder; he was given the honour on August 29, 2023.

Often referred to as the PFA Young Player of the Year or simply the Young Player of the Year, the prize is awarded to the young player judged to have been most outstanding over the season. Players must have been 21 years of age or younger on July 1st, 2021 to qualify; the age limit had previously been 23, a change that prompted press debate over whether a player who finished the season at 24 could truly be regarded as "young." The Professional Footballers’ Association conducts an annual poll of its members to decide the recipient.

Because the winner is chosen by fellow professionals, players regard the award as extremely significant. The PFA’s voting process determines the recipient each season.

Kevin Beattie, a defender for Ipswich Town, was the inaugural recipient of the Young Player of the Year award.

All previous winners have competed in the Premier League, although players from all levels are eligible for the prize. The first player who played at the top level of English football to be shortlisted for the award was Ryan Sessegnon of Fulham in 2018.

Bukayo Saka, who plays for Arsenal, is listed as the current recipient of the award.

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019 and has worked in the field for over six years; he is a devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, represented his college at the state level before focusing on journalism, and spends his spare time playing football, watching movies and experimenting with recipes.

The PFA publishes a shortlist of finalists in April, with the winner revealed at a banquet in London alongside recipients of the organisation’s other annual awards.