TheNorthern Ireland Football Writers' Association Player of the Year (often called theNIFWA Player of the Year) is an annual award given to the player who is adjudged to have been the best of the season in theNIFL Premiership. It is one of twoassociation football Player of the Year awards inNorthern Ireland, with the other being theUlster Footballer of the Year award.
The award has been presented since the 1969–70 season and the winner is chosen by a vote amongst members of the association.[1] The first winner of the award wasDes Dickson ofColeraine. The player to have received the award more than any other isGlenn Ferguson, who has collected the award on three occasions, the last of which was in 2006.[2] Two other players have won the award twice; Ivan Murray was the first in 1975 andVinny Arkins was the most recent, in 2002.
| Player | Total | Years |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2001, 2004, 2006 | |
| 2 | 1974, 1975 | |
| 2 | 2000, 2002 | |
| 2 | 2020, 2025 |
| Club | Players | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 43 | 48 | |
| 5 | 6 | |
| 1 | 1 |
| Club | Players | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Linfield | 17 | 20 |
| Crusaders | 8 | 8 |
| Glentoran | 8 | 8 |
| Coleraine | 4 | 5 |
| Cliftonville | 4 | 4 |
| Portadown | 3 | 4 |
| Ards | 2 | 2 |
| Glenavon | 2 | 2 |
| Bangor | 1 | 1 |
| Larne | 1 | 1 |
| Newry Town | 1 | 1 |