Nico O’Reilly wins PFA Young Player of the Year as Arsenal dominate Team of the Year

Nico O’Reilly has been named the Professional Footballers’ Association’s Young Player of the Year after an impressive campaign with Manchester City.

The 21-year-old midfielder was selected ahead of Manchester City team-mate Rayan Cherki, Arsenal’s Max Dowman, Bournemouth forward Junior Kroupi, Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha.

O’Reilly made 34 Premier League appearances last season, scoring five goals and providing three assists. He also featured six times in the FA Cup, scoring once and setting up another goal, while he played five matches in the EFL Cup and scored twice.

His performances helped Manchester City win both domestic cup competitions. They lifted the FA Cup and the EFL Cup, while finishing second in the Premier League behind champions Arsenal.

Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who gave O’Reilly his opportunity in the first team, described him as “a complete and versatile player”.

The award makes O’Reilly the fifth Manchester City player to receive the honour, according to the list released alongside the announcement. The previous winners named were Peter Barnes in 1975-76, Leroy Sane in 2017-18, Raheem Sterling in 2018-18, and Phil Foden in 2020-21 and 2021-22. O’Reilly is listed as the 2025-26 winner.

Arsenal lead PFA Team of the Year

The PFA also revealed its Team of the Year for last season, with Arsenal providing the strongest representation.

David Raya was selected in goal, while Arsenal’s defensive strength was reflected by the inclusion of Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Declan Rice.

Manchester City’s O’Reilly was named at left-back, despite his award being primarily linked to his midfield and attacking contributions.

The full team is:

David Raya (Arsenal)

Jurrien Timber (Arsenal), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), William Saliba (Arsenal), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City)

Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City)

Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City), Igor Thiago (Brentford)

Manchester City have three players in the selected XI, with O’Reilly joined by Cherki and forward Erling Haaland. Arsenal have the largest overall presence, with Raya, Timber, Gabriel Magalhaes, Saliba and Rice included.

O’Reilly’s recognition completes a breakthrough season in which he established himself as a regular first-team player, contributed across several competitions and collected two major domestic trophies with Manchester City.