Kerry star David Clifford described his latest Footballer of the Year award as “a special one” after what he felt was a poor year for him in 2024.

Clifford received a third Footballer of the Year Award at last night’s 2025 PwC All-Star Awards at the RDS in Dublin and also picked up his sixth All-Star on the night.

Speaking at the ceremony in the capital, the 26-year-old said the break he had before returning to action this past season saw him able to bring “a different dynamic” to his game.

"Whatever about how well I played, this is a special one for me because I obviously won it in 2022 and 2023, but would have had a poor year then last year," he is quoted saying by RTE Sport.

"Being able to come back this year to some bit of form was important to me."

Ther Fossa clubman added: "I wouldn’t have been in a great position fitness wise over the last couple of years. I wasn’t unfit, but I hadn’t really changed much as an athlete over a few seasons.

"Being able to have a break, and a good pre-season was important, to allow me bring a different dynamic to my game."

Next year starts now ⏯️

A word from this year’s PwC GAA GPA Footballer of the Year @Kerry_Official talisman David Clifford as he captures the award for the third time after a stellar season 💬 #PwCAllStars pic.twitter.com/gRlXUdDX8Q

— The GAA (@officialgaa) November 7, 2025

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