Manchester City defender Ruben Dias wins FWA Footballer of the year; becomes first defender to win award since 1989


Manchester City defender Ruben Dias wins FWA Footballer of the year; becomes first defender to win award since 1989

Ruben Dias

Manchester City defender Ruben Dias has been voted the Football Writers’ Association’s footballer of the Year, it was announced on Thursday. The 23-year old defender was a comfortable winner ahead of Tottenham forward Harry Kane and City teammate Kevin De Bruyne.

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Manchester City have had a great season so far, having already won the Premier League and Carabao Cup this season. The club will also be playing their first ever UEFA Champions League final on 30th May against Chelsea.

Ruben Dias signed up for Manchester City from Benfica in the summer transfer window

Ruben Dias has been influential in Manchester City's campaign this season
Ruben Dias has been influential in Manchester City’s campaign this season

One of the main reasons for Manchester City’s success this season, has been their extremely tight defence which was bolstered by Pep Guardiola in the last summer window. Ruben Dias signed for City in September 2020 for 62 million Euros and has been a revelation for them this season.

Ruben Dias is only the third man after Gianfranco Zola and Jurgen Klinsmann to take the FWA award during a first season in English football. The Portugal International also became the first defender to win the Football Writers’ footballer of the year sine 1989 when Liverpool’s Steve Nicol collected the award.

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“It is a huge privilege. Obviously I could not have done it without the success of the team,” Dias said in an interview with the FWA.

“I think me receiving this prize is the major example of how our team works, the way we build our game. It reflects all the togetherness we have on the pitch, how we perform and the spirit that is in the team and with these players.”

“[I’d like to thank] my team-mates, all the staff – Pep included obviously – the Club [and the many names responsible for bringing me here] but ultimately, all of my colleagues: the staff, the physios, the kitmen, the guys in the kitchen that bring a smile every day to the training ground and make us feel good and ready to be the best we can be.

“All of those details make a difference at the end. The most important thing is to have players who think like you and have the same mentality, knowing how important the team is and knowing: ‘If you fail, I will be there for you.” : said Ruben Dias in his thanksgiving speech after winning the award.

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