LONDON - Arsenal skipper Thierry Henry became the first player to be named Footballer of the Year for the third time.

The 28-year-old was chosen for the prize by the Football Writers Association.

Sir Stanley Matthews, Kenny Dalglish, John Barnes and Gary Lineker all won the award twice.

The French international has enjoyed a remarkable season breaking the Gunners' all-time goalscoring record and leading Arsene Wenger's team to their first Champions League final against Barcelona, in Paris on May 17.

The striker was Footballer of the Year in 2003 and 2004 with Chelsea's Frank Lampard picking up the prize last season.

Chelsea's John Terry came second, Manchester United's Wayne Rooney third and Liverpool's Steven Gerrard fourth.

Gerrard was named the players' Player of the Year last Sunday