Nico O’Reilly recognised by peers as Premier League’s leading young player

Nico O’Reilly has been named the Premier League’s Young Player of the Year after an outstanding 2025/26 campaign with Manchester City.

The 21-year-old left-back received the award at the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) awards ceremony on Tuesday evening. The event celebrates the leading performers in English football, with the winners chosen by professional players.

O’Reilly established himself as an important member of Manchester City’s first team during the season, making 55 appearances in all competitions. He scored nine goals and provided six assists, numbers that underlined his influence from the left side of the defence.

His contribution was particularly decisive in the League Cup final against Arsenal in March. O’Reilly scored both goals in Manchester City’s 2-0 victory, securing the trophy for his club with a match-winning display.

That performance was among the highlights of a season in which he became a regular and increasingly influential presence in Manchester City’s line-up. His ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch helped him stand out in the vote conducted by fellow professionals.

O’Reilly also played a role in England’s run at the 2026 World Cup. He was one of the notable performers for the national team as England finished third in the tournament.

The PFA announcement was published with the message:

“Nico O’Reilly is the PFA Young Player of the Year in association with@play_eFootball🏆Voted for by the players 🤝pic.twitter.com/GecMhhOeNB”

The award adds individual recognition to a campaign in which O’Reilly made a substantial contribution to Manchester City’s success. His two goals in the League Cup final provided the clearest example of his impact, while his season-long record of appearances, goals and assists reflected his development into a key first-team player.

The honour was presented during the annual ceremony held to recognise the best performances in English football over the past year. It is determined by players rather than a panel of journalists or supporters, making O’Reilly’s achievement a reflection of the opinion of his fellow professionals.

His success also follows a significant international season, with O’Reilly helping England secure third place at the 2026 World Cup after his productive campaign at club level.

The story has also prompted discussion among football supporters, with readers able to discuss the news and related topics in the Kooora forums.