In the 2015/16 season,Riyad Mahrez (Algeria, Leicester City) became the first African to be crowned PFA Players’ Player of the Year, voted by his fellow professionals.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool) followed, winning the same award in the 2017/18, 2021/22, and most recently, the 2024/25 seasons.
What makes it notable is these two stand out as the only African players to have received this prestigious accolade to date.
This distinction highlights both Mahrez’s and Salah’s impact in English football recognized not by stats alone but by the respect of their peers across the league.
The two (Mahrez & Salah)African Players to win PFA Player of the Year
2015/16 Riyad Mahrez (Algeria, Leicester City) breaks new ground as the first African to collect the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool) follows in his footsteps, becoming the only other African to claim the title in 2017/18, 2021/22 & 2024/25 seasons.
Voted by fellow players, this award underscores both players’ consistent excellence and the high regard they command on the pitch.
source : ghanaweb
