Erling Haaland was officially presented with the 2023 Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year award.

Haaland was named as this year’s recipient of the honor earlier this month following their qualification for the Champions League.

He collected his award during a ceremony in London on Thursday.

According to reports, the 22-year-old striker received over 80% of the votes from more than 800 FWA Members following an almost mythical debut season in England.

Haaland’s capturing of the award makes it the third time in four years a Manchester City player has received the honour.

Clubmate Ruben Dias won the coveted prize in 2021 after former City winger Raheem Sterling captured the 2019 edition.

Given Haaland’s statistics this campaign of 51 goals in all competitions including a Premiere league record of 35 goals in 34 games to help City retain the Premier title and qualification for Champions League finals, it would hardly be a debate about him receiving this prestigious award.

The Norwegian was gracious in commenting on his win as he credited the club and his teammates for his success.

“To win the Football Writers’ Award in my first season in English football is an honour. I try every single day to be the best I can be, and to be recognized like this means a lot to me,” Haaland said.

He continued; “I have loved my time at City so far – my teammates are incredible, and they provide me with the chances to score goals. I want to thank all of them, because I could not have won this award without them. I also owe so much to Pep and the team behind the team here at City. Everybody has been so good to me since I joined and I have never worked with such top professionals.”

He also thanked his supporters for the award as he turns his attention to the remainder of the season.

“Thank you to everyone who voted for me. It’s a real honour to have won this award. I am now focused on ensuring I finish the season as strongly as possible and helping City win trophies.”

Man City who clinched a third successive League title last weekend, still has both the Champions League and FA Cup finals to contest as they hunt a season treble.

Chelsea’s Sam Kerr copped the award in the female category for a second year as she leads the Blues‘ charge for back-to-back Women’s Super League titles.