Calvin Bassey has made history by being named Fulham’s Player of the Season for 2024–25, becoming the first Nigerian and African ever to win the club’s most prestigious individual accolade.
The Super Eagles defender was a standout performer throughout the Premier League campaign, anchoring Fulham’s backline with consistency, strength, and tactical awareness. His dominant displays helped Marco Silva’s men finish 11th in the league, a solid achievement in a competitive season.
In just his second year at Craven Cottage following a 2023 move from Ajax, Bassey truly came into his own. After finishing as runner-up in the previous season, the 25-year-old went one step further this time around, topping the fan vote by a commanding margin:
Calvin Bassey – 39.6%
Alex Iwobi – 21.5%
Antonee Robinson – 19.9%
Bernd Leno – 10.9%
Saša Lukić – 8.1%
Bassey featured in 35 of Fulham’s 38 matches, scored once, and consistently turned in strong, dependable performances that earned him praise from fans and pundits alike.
He edged out stiff competition, including Raúl Jiménez, the club’s top scorer with 12 goals, and Alex Iwobi, who contributed nine goals and six assists in all competitions and played every league game.
The best of Bassey.
Your 2024/25 Player of the Season. 🇳🇬🤍 pic.twitter.com/xYfaBvYxIg
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) June 13, 2025In an emotional thank-you message to fans, Bassey said:
“Thank you guys for voting me Player of the Season. I want to thank God – without God I wouldn’t be where I am.
Big up all my team, guys who are not necessarily at the Club, who have been helping me.
Obviously, thanks to the coaching staff and the Manager for trusting me and believing in me. Hopefully we can do amazing things next season, so thank you for your support guys.”
Bassey joins an elite list of past winners that includes Luís Boa Morte, Brian McBride, Clint Dempsey, and Aleksandar Mitrović. His triumph is not just personal but symbolic, a proud moment for Nigeria and Africa, etched in Fulham’s history.
