Bruno Fernandes crowned PFA Players’ Player of the Year after fellow professionals’ vote

Bruno Fernandes has been named the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Players’ Player of the Year for the 2025-26 season, completing a clean sweep of the major individual honours available to him in England.

The Manchester United midfielder received the award after fellow players voted for him, with the presentation taking place at the PFA’s annual awards ceremony today.

Fernandes was chosen ahead of five other players on the final shortlist. Manchester City were represented by Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki, while Arsenal had the strongest presence with three nominees.

Arsenal’s finalists were defender Gabriel Magalhaes, goalkeeper David Raya and midfielder Declan Rice.

The award recognises Fernandes’ standing among his fellow professionals and makes him the leading player in the PFA’s vote for the 2025-26 campaign. The result also gives Manchester United’s captain another major personal honour after he was recognised by both the official association of the Premier League and the Football Writers’ Association.

Fernandes’ victory means Arsenal had more players on the final shortlist than any other club, despite the award ultimately going to the Manchester United star. Haaland and Cherki were the two players nominated from Manchester City, while Arsenal’s three-man representation consisted of players from defence, goalkeeping and midfield.

The PFA prize is decided by players rather than by a panel, making Fernandes’ success a direct endorsement from those competing against him during the season.

The award was announced during the PFA’s annual ceremony, where Fernandes collected the trophy after being selected from the six-player shortlist.

Bruno Fernandes is the PFA Players’ Player of the Year 🏆Voted for by the players.pic.twitter.com/CPkxcnVNVY

Fernandes had already secured the player of the year awards presented by the Premier League’s official association and the Football Writers’ Association in England. His PFA success therefore adds another accolade to a season in which he has been recognised across the country’s principal football awards.

The final shortlist brought together players from Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal. Haaland and Cherki carried City’s challenge, while Gabriel Magalhaes, Raya and Rice gave Arsenal three opportunities to claim the prize.

However, it was Fernandes who emerged as the winner when the decision was placed in the hands of the players themselves.