Manchester’s Opera House became the epicentre of English football glamour on Tuesday night as the sport’s brightest stars gathered to celebrate an unforgettable season.
With cameras flashing and fans watching from afar, the spotlight quickly turned to Mohamed Salah, arriving in style after another sensational 2024-25 campaign.
The evening wasn’t just about trophies; it was a chance for players and their glamorous partners to step outside the pitch and into the world of red carpet elegance.
From tailored suits to dazzling gowns, the attendees looked like they belonged at any major international awards night.
Star-Studded Arrivals and Fashion Moments
Among the early arrivals was former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate, sporting a timeless black suit.
New Wrexham defender Conor Coady turned heads with his wife Amie, who stunned in a one-shouldered black dress with a sheer skirt.
Arsenal stars Gabriel, William Saliba, and Declan Rice opted for a more understated look, though Rice had extra attention as one of the nominees for the evening’s top prize.
The competition for the prestigious Players’ Player of the Year was fierce, with Salah, Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak all in the running—though Isak skipped the night amid swirling transfer rumours.
Salah Eyes Historic Third Win
Mohamed Salah is aiming to make history as the first man to claim the Players’ Player of the Year award three times.
He currently shares multiple-time winner status with legends such as Mark Hughes, Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kevin De Bruyne.
Salah kept his look simple yet striking: a black suit paired with a gold tie, hinting at his high expectations for the night as he hoped to bring the trophy back to Merseyside.
Women’s Football Stars Shine on the Red Carpet
The women’s game was equally celebrated, with Arsenal’s Alessia Russo and Mariona Caldentey among the favourites for the Women’s PFA Player of the Year.
Russo, who scored 20 goals last season and helped England lift the European Championship, turned heads in a strapless sage green gown.
Arsenal made a statement of unity, with the entire men’s and women’s delegation pausing for photos together.
Other nominees for the top women’s prize included Manchester City’s Mary Fowler and Yui Hasegawa, Chelsea’s Erin Cuthbert, and Manchester United’s Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
Rising Stars and Future Prospects
The gala also shone a spotlight on the next generation of talent and influential coaches.
Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers is the frontrunner for the PFA Young Player of the Year, following a breakout season that saw him score 14 goals and provide 13 assists in 54 appearances under Unai Emery.
Joining Rogers in the youth category were Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez, Arsenal youngsters Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Chelsea striker Liam Delap, all hoping to follow in the footsteps of last year’s winner, Cole Palmer.
