Bruno Fernandes has been named the 2025/26 PFA Players’ Player of the Year after a remarkable campaign. The Manchester United captain was recognised by his fellow professionals after leading his side back into Europe’s elite competition.
Bruno Fernandes enjoyed one of the finest individual seasons of his Manchester United (1.43) career in 2025/26, producing goals and assists throughout the campaign.
Meanwhile, Manchester City forward Bunny Shaw claimed the women’s award for the second time after another prolific season in the Women’s Super League.
Fernandes Claims Prestigious PFA Award
Fernandes was rewarded for his outstanding contribution to Manchester United during the 2025/26 campaign. The Portugal international produced consistent attacking numbers. He also played a key role in United’s recovery after a difficult opening period. His performances helped the club secure a third-place Premier League finish. Consequently, United earned a return to the Champions League.
The midfielder created 21 Premier League goals during the season. That figure saw him break the all-time record for assists in the competition. Fernandes surpassed the previous marks set by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. His achievement further highlighted his influence in the final third. The record also underlined his importance to United’s attacking approach.
Alongside his creativity, Fernandes provided an important goal threat. He scored nine times during the campaign. Those goals added another dimension to his overall contribution. Furthermore, his leadership remained vital during a challenging season for the Red Devils. United eventually finished third under manager Michael Carrick.
Fernandes was particularly proud that his fellow professionals selected him for the award. Winning the PFA Players’ Player of the Year prize carries significant prestige. The award is voted for by players who compete against each other throughout the season. Therefore, Fernandes valued the recognition from his peers even more.
He said: “It is obviously a very proud moment. They are the ones you go on the pitch against, and it’s probably not easy to vote for someone you play against, so it is a very good moment.”
The award continues an impressive individual year for Fernandes. He also collected the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award in May. Now, his trophy cabinet contains another major individual honour. Fernandes becomes Manchester United’s first PFA men’s Player of the Year since Wayne Rooney won in 2009/10.
Manchester United Captain Completes Award Double
Fernandes’ latest achievement adds further recognition to his influence at Old Trafford. The midfielder has remained one of United’s most important players since joining the club. His leadership has also grown since becoming captain. This season, however, his statistical output reached another level.
United endured an inconsistent start to the campaign. Results improved as the season progressed under Carrick. Fernandes played a central role during that turnaround. His passing and chance creation provided United with a consistent attacking outlet. Moreover, his ability to score important goals gave the team another advantage.
The Champions League qualification represents a major boost for United. The club will return to Europe’s premier competition after securing third place. Fernandes will now hope his latest individual success can help drive the team forward. His PFA award provides another sign of his standing among elite Premier League players.
Bunny Shaw Wins Women’s Award Again
Manchester City striker Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw claimed the women’s PFA Players’ Player of the Year award. The Jamaica international secured the prize for the second time. She previously won the award during the 2023-24 campaign. Her latest success follows another outstanding scoring season for City.
Shaw scored 21 goals during the Women’s Super League campaign. That total helped her claim a third consecutive Golden Boot. She also played an important role as Manchester City secured their first Women’s Super League title. As a result, her individual and team achievements combined to make another memorable season.
The 29-year-old was also recognised by the Football Writers’ Association. Her performances earned widespread praise throughout the campaign. Shaw’s latest PFA success confirms her status as one of the leading forwards in women’s soccer. It also strengthens her reputation after another prolific season.
Manchester City enjoyed a particularly successful campaign. Shaw’s goals were central to that success. Her ability to consistently find the net gave City an important attacking advantage. Therefore, her second PFA award reflects both her individual numbers and wider influence.
Olivia Smith Retains Young Player Award
Arsenal midfielder Olivia Smith won the women’s PFA Young Player of the Year award. She collected the honour for the second campaign running. Smith previously won the prize in 2025 after an impressive season with Liverpool. Her performances continued to attract attention following her move to the capital.
Smith has established herself as one of the most exciting young players in women’s soccer. Her latest award demonstrates her continued development. Arsenal also benefited from her quality during another successful campaign. The recognition gives Smith further momentum as she continues her career at the highest level.
Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly won the men’s PFA Young Player of the Year award. The versatile player enjoyed an outstanding campaign with the Premier League club. His season also included an international breakthrough. O’Reilly helped England secure World Cup bronze during the tournament.
The 21-year-old was part of the PFA Premier League Team of the Year. He was joined by Manchester City team-mates Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo. Their inclusion reflects City’s strong representation among the division’s leading performers.
O’Reilly was delighted with how his season developed. He also highlighted the importance of winning trophies and representing England at the World Cup.
He said: “I had a great season. I’m very proud of the season I had. I won two trophies with my club and managed to play at the World Cup with my country. I’m over the moon how it turned out.”
Arsenal Lead Premier League Team
Premier League champions Arsenal had five players selected for the PFA Team of the Year. David Raya earned recognition in goal. Gabriel and William Saliba were selected in defence. Jurrien Timber also made the team. Declan Rice completed Arsenal’s impressive representation.
Fernandes was included alongside Arsenal’s five representatives. Brentford striker Igor Thiago completed the Premier League XI. The selections provide a strong reflection of the season’s standout performers. Arsenal’s presence also highlights their success across the campaign.
The team combines champions with players who produced exceptional individual numbers. Fernandes’ inclusion was particularly notable after his record-breaking assist tally. Thiago’s selection also recognises his impact in attack for Brentford. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s defensive core earned recognition after another strong campaign.
Manchester City Dominate Women’s Team
Manchester City also enjoyed a strong presence in the PFA WSL Team of the Year. Three players from the champions were selected. Shaw was joined by Kerstin Casparij and Yui Hasegawa. Their inclusion reflects City’s successful league campaign.
Last year’s PFA Women’s Player of the Year, Mariona Caldentey, was also selected. The Arsenal player was joined by team-mates Emily Fox and Alessia Russo. Arsenal therefore secured a strong presence in the women’s team despite City’s dominance.
Tottenham defender Toko Koga was another player selected. Manchester United’s Jess Park also earned recognition. Chelsea completed the line-up with three representatives. Hannah Hampton, Ellie Carpenter and Lauren James were all included.
The final team therefore features players from several leading women’s soccer clubs. Their selections reflect the quality displayed across the Women’s Super League. For supporters interested in online sports betting, these awards can also provide useful context when assessing future team and player markets.
PFA Awards Highlight Standout Seasons
The 2025/26 PFA awards provided recognition for some of the campaign’s most influential players. Fernandes stood out among the men’s nominees after his record-breaking season. Shaw delivered another exceptional campaign for Manchester City. Both players combined individual excellence with major team achievements.
Young player awards also highlighted the next generation of talent. Smith continued her rapid development with another major honour. O’Reilly enjoyed a breakthrough campaign domestically and internationally. Their success suggests both players could remain prominent figures for years to come.
Ultimately, Fernandes’ victory represents the latest chapter in his Manchester United career. His 21 assists and nine goals made him central to United’s revival. The Champions League return adds further importance to his campaign. Now, the captain will look to build on that success.
