Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) awards are that special in the English footballing world. They are not the voice of the people nor the media poll. They are from the professionals themselves. Their own professionals show a sense of respect that no one can surpass. The Arsenal supporters’ story of their PFA-winning stars is the past glory and the dream in the future.
Legends Who Set the Standard for Arsenal
Arsenal’s association with the PFA Player of the Year started in the late 1970s. The classy midfielder Brady earned the honor as the first Gunner in 1978–79. First, a first. It was the first to a foreign footballer and the first Gunner to be honored in this way. His vision, poise, and class controlled Arsenal’s midfield and his award is a milestone in the history of the club.
Nigh on two decades after, the tradition fell to Dennis Bergkamp. The Dutch legend whose technical prowess elevated Arsenal’s goal to a new plane claimed the trophy in the 1997-98 campaign. It was the turning point for the majority. Bergkamp proved that Arsenal could combine art with clinical finishing.
And, naturally, Thierry Henry, whose name will forever be etched in football history. Arsenal’s greatest ever in the traditional mould, Henry was twice PFA Player of the Year, for 2002–03 and 2003–04. The latter of these came in the mythical “Invincibles” season when Arsenal swept the entire league season unbeaten. With his pace, skill, and precision, Henry tore defences apart and set a new benchmark of excellence.
Women of Arsenal to the Front
Arsenal Women earned recognition for their season on merit. Mariona Caldentey in her debut campaign, won the PFA Women’s Player of the Year. She scored 19 goals in all competitions and the team going deep in the Champions League. She has made an instant impression. Other than goals, she delivered moments of magic that made games special.
Another young prospect, Olivia Smith, was included on the club’s PFA roll of honor. At the age of only 20, she was the recipient of the PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year award. Her brazen dribbling, incisive vision, and profligacy built her reputation and earned her a well-deserved win. Her win heralds a great future ahead as the Gunners Women continue to dominate in Europe and domestically.
Team of the Year Award
Individual award recipients hog the limelight, but PFA Team of the Year choice is equally impressive. Gunners have been receiving the recognition in good stead recently. Five Arsenal players had been nominated. David Raya, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard—were chosen for 2023–24. It was a reflection of Arsenal’s end-to-end dominance on the pitch, from the goalkeeper to the midfielder marshaller.
The next season, continuity prevailed. Saliba, Gabriel, and Rice were once more included in the 2024–25 Team of the Year. Arsenal’s defensive pillar always symbolized stability, respect, and impact.
Respect Beyond Statistics : Arsenal
What makes these awards special is that they are not merely figures. Goals, assists, or clean sheets do not matter, but respect is more valuable. The same men have lined up to face Arsenal legends. They get to witness the effort that goes into preventing them, or the genius of seeing them up close. Peer respect is a triumph that cannot be quantified in terms of raw statistics.
Author’s Note
Arsenal’s PFA winners show us that success is only half the tale. It’s consistency, creativity, and authority. From Liam Brady’s poise to Thierry Henry’s genius, from Bergkamp’s wizardry to the emergence of Caldentey and Smith, Arsenal has led the way in footballing culture. With world-class talent in the current team, the PFA story is only half-told—and the next chapter can be even greater.