Declan Rice wins major supporters’ award ahead of Haaland and Caicedo

Declan Rice has been named the Football Supporters’ Association Men’s Player of the Year for 2025, becoming the first Arsenal winner of the award in a decade.

The midfielder topped the supporters’ vote ahead of Erling Haaland, Antoine Semenyo, Moises Caicedo, Ryan Gravenberch and Jean-Philippe Mateta.

His victory reflects the scale of his influence since arriving at Arsenal in 2023 and the consistency he has shown during the club’s excellent start to the current campaign.

Rice has been central to the side that sits five points clear at the top of the Premier League after 13 matches, providing the defensive control that has defined Mikel Arteta’s midfield structure.

His performances in Europe have been equally significant, with Arsenal unbeaten in the Champions League and leaning heavily on Rice’s positioning and ball recovery during the group phase.

Supporters’ groups have been vocal in pushing Rice’s candidacy, and the strength of that backing was clear during the FSA’s final round of voting.

Arteta has repeatedly described Rice as “special,” pointing to his blend of leadership and athleticism, and his influence on the squad has grown steadily through 2024 and into this season.

His form has also reinforced his status within Gareth Southgate’s England side, adding further weight to his reputation as one of the Premier League’s most reliable midfielders.

The timing of the honour aligns with Arsenal’s move to accelerate contract discussions, with sporting director Andrea Berta aiming to secure Rice beyond the 2028 end point of his existing deal.

The club view his long-term commitment as essential to maintaining the stability of a squad built around a core of players tied down to extended contracts.

The midfielder’s award caps a year defined by high-level consistency and cements his place at the centre of Arsenal’s title push.

His next task will be sustaining that impact through the festive schedule, starting with the upcoming trip to Brentford, where he is again expected to anchor the side as they look to extend their lead at the top.

The post Declan Rice wins major supporters’ award ahead of Haaland and Caicedo first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.