Bruno Fernandes wins PFA Player of the Year after record-breaking season

Bruno Fernandes has been named the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Player of the Year after producing a record 21 assists in the Premier League during the 2025-26 season.

The Manchester United captain also scored nine goals as his side finished third in the English top flight. Fernandes, who joined United in 2020, was recognised with the men’s annual award in a vote by members of the players’ union.

The honour is the 12th time a Manchester United player has won the award, more than any other club in England and Wales. Fernandes is also only the second Portuguese recipient, following Cristiano Ronaldo, who won in consecutive years in 2007 and 2008.

The 31-year-old played a central role in United’s attacking season, benefiting from manager Michael Carrick giving the team’s front four greater freedom to influence matches.

“Bruno can just create moments. He’s bright. I think that little bit of freedom suits him. He’s got a natural brain,” Carrick said in February.

Fernandes has now scored 110 goals and supplied 106 assists for Manchester United. He reached 200 Premier League goal involvements – a combination of goals and assists – in 314 appearances.

Only Wayne Rooney achieved that milestone more quickly for United in the Premier League era, doing so in 295 matches.

Shaw retains women’s award

Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw was named the PFA Women’s Player of the Year for the second time. The Jamaica international previously won the award in 2024 and was the Women’s Super League’s leading scorer in 2025-26, with 21 goals.

Arsenal striker Olivia Smith collected the Women’s Young Player of the Year award for a second successive season. Smith is 22.

Manchester City left-back Nico O’Reilly won the men’s Young Player of the Year prize after a breakthrough campaign. He also received the Premier League Young Player of the Season award.

The 21-year-old England international made 53 appearances for Manchester City in all competitions and scored nine goals.

PFA Premier League Team of the Year

The PFA Premier League Team of the Year includes a strong Arsenal presence, with goalkeeper David Raya, defenders Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, and midfielder Declan Rice all selected.

Manchester City’s O’Reilly and Rayan Cherki also feature, while Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo are named in the forward line. Brentford striker Igor Thiago completes the attack alongside Haaland and Semenyo.

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)