Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan has crowned a regal 2015 by becoming the first player to win both the Professional Footballers Australia player of the year award and the Harry Kewell Medal in the same year.
The Valencia custodian follows in the footsteps of the likes of Tim Cahill and Mark Schwarzer in being recognised by the PFA award, which is open to A-League players and Australians playing overseas, and is voted for by male members of the organisation.
At 23 years of age, Ryan is the youngest recipient of the award. He has twice previously been a winner of the Harry Kewell Medal, given to Australia’s best player under the age of 23.
“This caps off the past 12 months and what a 12 months it has been,” said Ryan. “To receive an award like this, which is voted by your colleagues, is very humbling.”
Ryan kicked off a remarkable 2015 with the Socceroos’ triumphant run at the Asian Cup, after which he was voted goalkeeper of the tournament.
“You play football to represent your country at the highest level,” Ryan said. “The moment when Mile [Jedinak, the Australia captain] lifted the Asian Cup was very close to the best moment in my career.
His performances during the 2014-15 season at club level with Brugge – during which they won the Belgian Cup and finished second in the league – were recognised with the Belgian Pro League goalkeeper of the year award, and a big money transfer to Spanish club Valencia followed.
Ryan was presented with the award by fellow Socceroo and PFA president Matt McKay, who received the accolade himself in 2011.
“On behalf of all our members I would like congratulate Mat,” McKay said. “The 2014-15 season was an historic one for Australian football and Mat played a huge role in this.”
Robbie Kruse is the only other player to have won both awards, although the Stuttgart striker did not hold them in the same year.
“Mat has the respect of all Australian footballers,” said Adam Vivian, the PFA chief executive. “His dedication and professionalism is world class and he deserves all the recognition he has received to date.”
