Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has won the FSA Player of the Year award for 2025

Declan Rice won Men’s Player of the Year at this year’s Football Supporters’ Association Awards, while Alessia Russo took up Women’s Player of the Year. The FSA Awards were held in central London on Monday [1st December] evening. With over 400,000 votes cast, the FSA Awards are the country’s largest supporter-led awards ceremony.

Rice defeated Erling Haaland of Manchester City, Antoine Semenyo of AFC Bournemouth, Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace, Moises Caicedo of Chelsea, and Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool.

In the women’s division, Russo ensured Arsenal’s double by defeating Chelsea’s Erin Cuthbert and Millie Bright, Manchester United’s Maya Le Tissier, Manchester City’s Yui Hasegawa, and her own colleague Mariona Caldentey.

“Receiving the FSA Player of the Year Award is a huge honour, especially given the competitors I’m competing against. Being acknowledged by my followers and having them vote for me to win is really wonderful, and I cannot thank them enough.

Declan Rice wins major supporters’ award

The midfielder received the most votes from supporters, beating out Erling Haaland, Antoine Semenyo, Moises Caicedo, Ryan Gravenberch, and Jean-Philippe Mateta. His triumph highlights the breadth of his impact since joining Arsenal in 2023, as well as the consistency he has demonstrated throughout the club’s impressive start to the current season.

Rice has played a key role in the Premier League’s five-point lead after 13 games, providing the defensive dominance that has characterised Mikel Arteta’s midfield system. His achievements in Europe have been as impressive, with Arsenal being undefeated in the Champions League and relying largely on Rice’s positioning and ball recovery throughout the group stage.

Supporters’ groups have been vociferous in promoting Rice’s candidature, and the level of that support was evident during the FSA’s final vote round. Arteta has often called Rice “special”, citing his combination of leadership and agility, and his impact on the team has increased significantly during 2024 and this season.