Riyad Mahrez PFA Player of the Year (2016)
The Algerian magician who captivated England and crowned the Blue-and-White fairy tale.
Riyad Mahrez’s individual accolade stands as the crowning jewel of Leicester City’s miraculous 2015–16 campaign. Awarded the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Player of the Year, this honour recognized his extraordinary creativity and goalscoring throughout a season where the Foxes defied all odds to win the Premier League title. For a club that had never won the top flight before, having their star winger voted the best player in England by his peers was unprecedented. It cemented Mahrez not just as a team asset, but as a global football icon whose performance anchored the greatest underdog story in modern sports history.
- Award
- PFA Players' Player of the Year
- Year
- 2016
- Club
- Leicester City FC
- League
- Premier League
- Season Finish
- Champions
- Player Role
- Right Winger / Forward
- Historic Status
- First Foxes Player to Win
Lore & Background
During the 2015–16 season, Mahrez was the heartbeat of Claudio Ranieri’s side. While the team celebrated collective resilience, it was Mahrez’s individual brilliance that often turned draws into victories. His ability to cut inside from the right flank and deliver pinpoint crosses or curling shots became a trademark. This award validated the belief that Leicester City were not just lucky, but possessed world-class talent capable of competing with Europe's elite. The PFA vote is unique because it is chosen by fellow players across England, making Mahrez’s win particularly significant amidst a league dominated by wealthy superclubs. It symbolized a shift in perception; the Foxes were no longer an outsider story but a legitimate powerhouse for that year. This moment remains etched in club folklore as proof that belief and skill could overcome financial disparity.
In Their Own Story
The press room buzzed with anticipation, but inside his mind, Mahrez was quiet. He remembered the early season doubts, the skepticism from pundits who said Leicester couldn't compete. Now, holding the trophy, the weight of the silver felt lighter than the burden he carried at the start of August.
Reader's Guide
While not a single match, this moment is best understood through the fixtures that defined Mahrez’s campaign. His performance against Manchester United at Old Trafford remains iconic; his goal there signaled to England that Leicester belonged among the giants. Fans recall the relentless energy he brought to every 90 minutes, often dragging opponents into exhaustion before delivering a killer pass. The award was announced in April, just as the title race tightened. It served as a psychological boost for the squad, proving their leader was recognized by peers across the league. For historians of the club, this era is defined by Mahrez’s flair combined with the team's defensive solidity. His PFA win is the individual peak of that collective achievement, marking the season where Leicester City truly arrived on the world stage.
Did You Know?
- Mahrez was the first player in Leicester City history to win the PFA Player of the Year award.
- He also won the Football Writers' Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year for the same season.
- Mahrez was named in the FIFPro World XI following this outstanding campaign.
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