The Manchester United striker topped the poll of
journalists with just over 81 per cent of votes cast.
Rooney, 24, finished ahead of Chelsea forward Didier
Drogba and Manchester City's Carlos Tevez to win the prestigious
accolade, which has been running since 1948.
The award is the England star's second of the season
after he was named the Professional Footballers' Association Player
of the Year last week.
He said: "I am delighted to win an award with so much
history and tradition.
"To follow a long line of wonderful players who have
been honoured by the Football Writers' Association since 1948 gives
me real pride.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank my
manager at United, Sir Alex Ferguson, the coaching staff and my
team-mates, without whose help and support this award would not
have been possible.
"Also a big thanks to my family and friends for their
constant support, which is always appreciated.
"I thank the Football Writers' Association members who
voted for me and I look forward to personally collecting my award
at the Footballer of the Year dinner in London on May 13."
Ferguson meanwhile returned the compliment, revealing
he thought the award was a foregone conclusion.
He said: "We expected that. It was a foregone
conclusio
"I thought he would win both awards and deservedly so
because he has elevated himself to a tremendous level now.
"He has brought maturity and authority to his game.
"It usually starts to show itself when young players
move into their mid-20s and that is the case with Wayne now.
"Unfortunately the boy has had a couple of injuries
recently but the season as a whole has been terrific."