The winners of the 2025 EFL Awards were announced on Sunday night, April 27, 2025, celebrating the standout talents and achievements across the English Football League. Sheffield United's Gustavo Hamer emerged as the star of the evening, clinching the coveted Championship Player of the Season award after a stellar campaign that saw him contribute significantly to his team’s success.
Hamer, a 27-year-old midfielder, was recognized for his exceptional performances throughout the season, finishing with nine goals and seven assists. His contributions were pivotal in helping Sheffield United secure a playoff spot, even as they fell short of automatic promotion. "It feels unbelievable to win this," Hamer expressed after receiving the award. "I don't think you can be more proud as a player and an individual from a personal perspective. I think I will go home, and my little boy will be really proud of me too, and that's what you do it for at the end of the day."
Despite his individual accolades, Hamer acknowledged the disappointment of not achieving automatic promotion, stating, "This season has been tough for us as a unit, as we didn't get automatic promotion, which is what we really wanted. We're ready to go again into the Play-Offs, though." He emphasized the importance of trust between players and management, crediting Sheffield United's manager Chris Wilder for allowing him the freedom to play his game. "I think the trust Chris Wilder gives me to play the way I want to play is great," he remarked.
Wilder, however, missed out on the Manager of the Season award, which went to Burnley’s Scott Parker. Parker successfully guided the Clarets back to the Premier League, and his team still has a chance at the Championship title as they head into the final weekend of the season. Hamer's teammate, Harrison Burrows, also made the Championship Team of the Season, marking an impressive debut campaign with five goals and three assists.
In the League One category, Birmingham's Chris Davies was awarded Manager of the Season, while Wycombe's Richard Kone took home both Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season honors. Exeter’s Jake Richards was recognized as the Apprentice of the Season. In League Two, Graham Alexander of Bradford was named Manager of the Season, with Michael Cheek of Bromley winning Player of the Season and Nathan Lowe, now at Stoke, awarded Young Player of the Season.
Other notable awards included George Abbott's Goal of the Season for his stunning strike during Notts County's match against Accrington. Norwich City was recognized as the Community Club of the Season, while Plymouth's ACTing with Children initiative won the Community Project of the Season. Taylor Moore of Bristol Rovers was honored as Player in the Community, and Leyton Orient's Punjabi O's received the Diversity Award. The Green Club Award went to Northampton for their efforts in tackling food waste, and Cardiff's 125th anniversary campaign was celebrated with the Fan Engagement Award.
As the EFL Awards wrapped up, the focus now shifts to the playoffs, where Sheffield United will aim to overcome their previous heartbreaks. Hamer, who experienced the agony of defeat in last year’s playoff final against Luton Town while playing for Coventry City, is determined to lead his team back to the Premier League. "I've been lucky enough to be in the Play-Offs before, so you know how it feels. This time I want to win and lift that trophy and get where we belong," he stated confidently.
The playoffs are set to commence soon, and with Hamer's recent recognition and form, Sheffield United enters the competition with renewed hope. The Blades will need to harness their collective strength and resilience as they prepare for the challenges ahead. With a target of reaching 90 points, they only need one more point from their upcoming match against Blackburn Rovers on May 3, 2025, to achieve this remarkable feat, despite facing a two-point deduction earlier in the season.
As fans eagerly anticipate the playoffs, the narrative is clear: Sheffield United, buoyed by Hamer's individual success and the team's aspirations, is ready to make a push for promotion. The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the season, and all eyes will be on the Blades as they strive to reclaim their place in the top tier of English football.
