At the end of every Englishfootball season the members of the PFA, the players union, vote on which of its young members has played the best football in the previous year. All professional footballers, regardless of nationality, under the age of 23 playing in the English leagues are eligible for the award. The award is the most prestigous honour available specifically to young footballers given in England. The award was first given in 1974, here is a complete list of winners:
