Mohamed Salah and Bryan Mbeumo have been named among the final eight nominees for the Premier League Player of the Season award, with the two standout African performers recognised for their exceptional 2024–25 campaigns.
The Premier League officially unveiled the shortlist on Thursday morning, highlighting the players who have made the most significant impact over the course of the season.
Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, widely regarded as the frontrunner for the award, has once again delivered a remarkable individual performance for Liverpool. Salah leads the league both in goals, with 28, and assists, with 18 — a feat unmatched by any of his peers this season.
The 31-year-old has been central to Liverpool’s attacking force, demonstrating not only his clinical finishing but also his vision and playmaking ability.
His inclusion in the final eight is seen as inevitable given the level of consistency and dominance he has displayed throughout the campaign.
Joining him in contention is Cameroonian international Bryan Mbeumo, whose performances have propelled Brentford to one of their strongest seasons in recent memory.
The 25-year-old forward has netted 18 goals and provided 7 assists, placing him among the league’s top five scorers.
Mbeumo’s influence at the West London club has been profound, often serving as the spark in Brentford’s attacking play.
While Salah and Mbeumo carry the hopes of the African continent, the competition is fierce. Swedish striker Alexander Isak has enjoyed a breakout season at Newcastle United, finishing just behind Salah in the scoring charts with 23 goals.
Isak’s blend of pace and composure has been key in Newcastle’s European push.
Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood also finds himself in the elite group, contributing 20 goals and 3 assists for a side that has battled throughout the campaign to secure its top-flight status.
The New Zealand international has been a reliable target man and a consistent presence in front of goal.
In midfield, Arsenal’s Declan Rice has been recognised for his all-round performances. Though not prolific in front of goal — with 3 goals and 7 assists — Rice has been instrumental in Arsenal’s midfield engine room, providing both defensive solidity and transitional strength.
Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White round out the midfield nominees. Gibbs-White, in particular, impressed with 6 goals and 8 assists in a creative role for Forest.
Defensive recognition has gone solely to Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk. The Dutch centre-back made 36 appearances and added 3 goals and an assist to his tally, but his leadership and consistency in the backline have been key in maintaining Liverpool’s defensive shape.
As the season draws to a close, attention now turns to the final vote, with fans, club captains, and a panel of football experts set to determine who will claim the prestigious award.
For Salah and Mbeumo, the nomination alone is a testament to their brilliance, but the chance to be crowned the Premier League’s best player remains tantalisingly within reach.
