Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United’s dynamic attacking midfielder, has been officially recognized as the PFA Player of the Year for the 2025-26 season. This prestigious accolade celebrates his exceptional contributions to the English Premier League, where he delivered an impressive 21 assists to his teammates, a testament to his creative prowess and impact on the field.
Since his arrival in England in 2020, the Portuguese international has been a pivotal figure for the Red Devils. In the preceding season, his influence was instrumental in guiding Manchester United to a third-place finish in the highly competitive Premier League standings. Beyond his remarkable assist tally, Fernandes also demonstrated his scoring prowess by netting 9 goals during the campaign, further highlighting his comprehensive attacking capabilities. The 31-year-old midfielder showcased his peak form last season, particularly under the tactical guidance of Michael Carrick, who successfully revitalized the team’s attacking system and allowed Fernandes to flourish.
The PFA Player of the Year award holds significant history for Manchester United, with its players having claimed the honor a record 12 times, more than any other club across the English and Welsh top flights. Fernandes’s victory marks a notable milestone as he becomes only the second Portuguese player to receive this esteemed recognition, following in the footsteps of football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, who won the award twice in consecutive seasons, in 2007 and 2008, during his illustrious tenure at Old Trafford.
The Professional Footballers’ Association also celebrated other outstanding talents across English football. Khadija Shaw, the prolific Manchester City striker, earned her second Women’s PFA Player of the Year award, a repeat of her triumph in 2024. The 29-year-old Jamaican international had an incredible season, securing the Golden Boot in the Women’s Super League with an impressive haul of 21 goals. In the youth categories, Manchester City’s promising talent, Nico O’Reilly, was awarded the PFA Young Player of the Year, adding to his earlier recognition as the Premier League Young Player of the Season. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s gifted midfielder, Olivia Smith, received the Women’s PFA Young Player of the Year award, signaling her bright future in the sport.
The best performers of the season were also recognized with their inclusion in the PFA Team of the Year. This elite eleven features a strong contingent from top clubs, highlighting their dominance throughout the campaign:
* **Goalkeeper:** David Raya (Arsenal)
* **Defenders:** Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), William Saliba (Arsenal), Jurrien Timber (Arsenal)
* **Midfielders:** Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City)
* **Forwards:** Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City), Igor Thiago (Brentford)
