[2][3] The award has been presented since the 1973–74 season and the winner is chosen by a vote amongst the members of the players' trade union, the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA).

[4] Although the award is open to players at all levels,[2] all winners to date have played in the highest division of the English football league system.

In 2018 Ryan Sessegnon of Fulham became the first player from outside the top division of English football to be nominated for the award.

[5] As of 2024, only Ryan Giggs, Robbie Fowler, Wayne Rooney, Dele Alli and Phil Foden have won the award on more than one occasion.

[7] The players themselves consider the award to be highly prestigious, because the winner is chosen by his fellow professionals.