Eric Cantona, Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kevin de Bruyne: past winners PFA Player of the Year

Kevin de Bruyne on Tuesday became the first Manchester City player to be awarded the PFA Player of the Year award. The 29-year-old Belgian beat off competition from four players from Premier League champions Liverpool – including Youn Player of Year winner Trent Alexander-Arnold – last year's winner Virgil Van Dijk, FWA Player of the Year recipient Jordan Henderson and Sadio Mane. De Buyne's City teammate Raheem Sterling was also on the shortlist. De Bruyne said: “It’s a huge honour. To be voted for by your colleagues and competitors from other teams who you play against for best player is amazing. "It’s strange that I’m the first [male] one at City given all the good players that have played here before and who are still playing here but it’s nice to represent the club. I think it is [the ultimate honour] because you compete against fellow professionals.” City manager Pep Guardiola told the club's website: "To win this award is an outstanding achievement, and Kevin is so deserving of it. "To be recognised by other players is the most that any footballer can ask for, because they understand not only what it is to compete against you, but also the level of commitment it takes to play at the very top. "There have been many great players in this club's history, especially over the last decade working with Roberto [Mancini], Manuel [Pellegrini] and myself. "We have won many titles, but Kevin is the first to receive this prestigious award. This recognition is also a tribute to all the fantastic players who have come before him. "We are so proud of Kevin and this will only strengthen what he means to this club and our fans. "From all the players, coaches and staff at Manchester City, I would like to congratulate him." In the above gallery, we have listed all the winners from the Premier League era, showing their appearances and goals from that season. To move on to the next image, click on the arrows, or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.

Eric Cantona, Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kevin de Bruyne: past winners PFA Player of the Year

Manchester City's Belgium midfielder is the latest recipient of the Professional Footballers' Association award