Alexander Isak scoops prestigious prize with Sunderland’s Chris Rigg & Jobe Bellingham honoured alongside Newcastle star

ALEXANDER ISAK is celebrating after being named North East Football Writers’ Association Senior Men’s Player of the Year.

Sunderland pair Chris Rigg, 17, and Jobe Bellingham, 19, are joint winners of the Men’s Young Player of the Year.

And Mollie Lambert, 26, was named the North East Football Writers’ Association’s Women’s Player of the Year.

Swedish striker Isak’s 28 goals in 2024 for Newcastle ensured he will become the 45th recipient of the prestigious award.

He beat team-mate Anthony Gordon in second and Middlesbrough forward Emmanuel Latte Lath in third.

Isak succeeds fellow Toon star Kieran Trippier, and is the fourth successive Newcastle player to win the prize.

It was treble delight for the Magpies as Elysia Boddy, 21, won the Young Women’s Player of the Year accolade.

Meanwhile, there was nothing to separate Sunderland’s talented teen duo of Rigg and Bellingham.

Newcastle’s Lewis Hall was third in one of the closest votes in the award’s 17 year history.

After receiving the news, Bellingham said: “I’m proud to have won this award alongside Riggy, who had an incredible year.

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“It’s a testament to the belief the club has shown in us and the support we receive from our team-mates and the staff.

“Sharing this recognition with Riggy highlights the club’s ambition and our focus is now on the final 20 games of the season.”

Rigg added: “The award is even more special because Jobe is unbelievable.

“It’s amazing to share this award with him and to be recognised for our performances. 2024 was a massive year for me and it is hard to put it into words.

“I owe so much to the players and staff who have supported me throughout my time at the club. After coming back on Saturday, I can’t wait to play my part in the final run-in.”

Durham midfielder Lambert narrowly beat Newcastle’s Claudia Moan and Toon captain Amber Keegan-Stobbs in the Women’s vote.

The awards will be officially handed out at the Ramside Hall Hotel in Durham on Sunday 2 March.

The event will also feature the presentation of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation/NEFWA personality of the year award which has been won in the past by the likes of Alan Shearer, Chris Kamara, Jill Scott and current holder Gary Bennett. 

Tickets for the North East Football Writers’ Association annual dinner are available from claire.stephen@ramsidehallhotel.co.uk.