This year’s candidates for the Fans’ Footballer of the Year award are Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, Mohamed Salah, and Mary Earps.

Last year, nearly 60,000 supporters took part, with Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes finishing first. Beth Mead finished third after impressing in England’s women’s Euros victory, with Bukayo Saka and Haaland rounding out the top five.

Guimaraes, on the other hand, is not among the 12 players selected by journalists this year, which includes stars from both the men’s and women’s games.

Salah, a Liverpool player, has won the award twice previously, in 2021 and 2022, and will be gunning for a third time after another good season. Following their historic treble triumph last season, Manchester City is well-represented on the shortlist, with Haaland leading the way thanks to his remarkable run of success in front of goal.

Haaland is joined by teammates Rodri and John Stones, both of whom contributed significantly to City’s victories. Saka joins new Arsenal teammate Declan Rice, who has impressed so far at the Emirates after captaining West Ham to a Europa League triumph.

The list’s final two Premier League players are Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier, both of whom have played key roles in their respective clubs’ steady rises.

Bellingham has been nominated for an award outside of the Premier League for his impressive start at Real Madrid. Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane, who recently joined Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich, is also on the list.

England and Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps has been shortlisted alongside Chelsea attacker Sam Kerr after impressing in both the Women’s Super League and the Women’s World Cup.