Since the Premier League’s inception in 1992, countless stars have lit up England’s top flight, but some campaigns stand out as truly iconic. These are the 13 greatest individual seasons ever, ranked from extraordinary to era-defining, where a single player reached a level few others could match.
13. Virgil van Dijk (2018-19) – The Defensive Colossus
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Liverpool transformed defensively after signing Virgil van Dijk, and his influence was immediate. He led from the back with such authority that fellow professionals voted him PFA Player of the Year, despite Liverpool finishing second in the league.
12. Kevin De Bruyne (2019-20) – The Creative Maestro
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Even without a title, De Bruyne’s campaign was phenomenal as he racked up 20 assists and 13 goals. His passing range and vision marked him out as the world’s finest attacking midfielder that season.
Given a free role, Gareth Bale terrorised defences and scored 21 goals, many of them long-range stunners. His brilliance earned him the PFA Player of the Year award and a record-breaking transfer to Real Madrid.
Shearer’s 34 goals fired Blackburn Rovers to their first league title in 81 years. His ruthless finishing and consistency were the key difference in a tightly contested title race.
9. Eric Cantona (1992-93) – The Catalyst
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Cantona’s mid-season move from Leeds to Manchester United changed English football history. His creativity, charisma, and clutch goals led United to their first league title in 26 years.
8. John Terry (2004-05) – The Wall of Stamford Bridge
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As captain, Terry marshalled Chelsea’s defence to concede just 15 goals all season, a Premier League record. His leadership helped deliver the Blues’ first top-flight title in half a century.
7. Erling Haaland (2022-23) – The Record Breaker
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Haaland shattered the single-season scoring record with 36 goals in 35 matches. After early skepticism, he quickly proved unstoppable in his debut Premier League campaign.
Keane combined grit with technical excellence, dominating midfields and setting the tone for Manchester United. His leadership was so influential he won both PFA and FWA Player of the Year awards.
5. Mohamed Salah (2017-18) – The Unexpected King
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Few predicted Salah’s explosive return to the Premier League, but he broke the single-season goal record with 32 strikes. He instantly became Liverpool’s talisman and a global superstar.
4. Mohamed Salah (2024-25) – The Complete Forward
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At 32, Salah delivered his most rounded campaign: 29 goals, 18 assists, and three major individual awards. He drove Liverpool to the title and matched the all-time record for goal involvements.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo (2007-08) – The World’s Best
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Ronaldo’s transformation into a goal machine culminated in 31 league goals, the Golden Boot, and a Ballon d’Or. His athleticism and decisiveness were unmatched in England or Europe.
2. Thierry Henry (2002-03) – The Ultimate Playmaker-Forward
Henry was at his unstoppable best, becoming the only player to register 20+ goals and 20+ assists in a season. Despite Arsenal falling short in Europe, he was widely viewed as the world’s best striker.
1. Luis Suárez (2013-14) – The Relentless Force
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Suárez scored 31 goals in just 33 games and dragged Liverpool within touching distance of the title. His energy, skill, and unselfish play earned him every major individual award—and legendary status.
