PFA awards: De Bruyne named best men's player, Foden voted top youngster

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne captured the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) men's Player of the Year award for the second consecutive season on Sunday, becoming just the third player to defend his title after Thierry Henry in 2003 and 2004 and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2007 and 2008.

The 29-year-old, who recorded 10 goals and 18 assists in all competitions, beat out competition from Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane, and City teammates Ilkay Gundogan, Ruben Dias, and Phil Foden.

Foden was also voted as men's young player of the year for his efforts in City's double-winning campaign.

Fran Kirby, star forward for Chelsea's title-winning women's team, was recognized as the best women's player. Kirby previously won the award in 2018.

Dias already earned recognition as the Premier League's player of the season on Friday, but De Bruyne proved to be the more popular choice among his peers. The Belgian international filled several key roles, including the tricky false-nine position, to help City claim a fourth consecutive League Cup and third Premier League title in four seasons.

De Bruyne said he was a "little bit surprised" to receive the award after missing 13 games this season due to injury.

"I had to fulfill a job that the coach wanted me to do, and the fact the players chose me for this award means I've done really well," the 29-year-old told City's website. "I know I missed quite a few games, so (I'm) maybe a little surprised about that.

"Off the pitch ... I'm becoming more of a leader, trying to help (club captain Fernandinho) as his wingman to get everything in order."

Teammate Foden added another title to his name after winning the Premier League's Young Player of the Season award. The 21-year-old made a career-high 28 appearances in the Premier League, scoring nine goals while adding five assists.

Kirby, 27, won the Women's Super League and League Cup titles and made the Champions League final with Chelsea.