Bruno Fernandes Wins PFA Player of the Year After Record-Breaking Season
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been crowned the 2025/26 PFA Players’ Player of the Year after an outstanding campaign that saw him break the Premier League record for assists in a single season.
The Portugal international registered 21 assists during the campaign, moving beyond the previous record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
Fernandes also scored nine goals as Manchester United recovered from a difficult start to the season and eventually finished third in the Premier League under manager Michael Carrick, securing a return to the Champions League.
Fernandes rewarded for record-breaking campaign
The PFA Players’ Player of the Year award is voted for by fellow professionals, making Fernandes' recognition a significant acknowledgement of his influence throughout the 2025/26 season.
The 31-year-old was instrumental in Manchester United's improved campaign, providing creativity and goals from midfield while helping the club secure a top-three finish.
Fernandes becomes the first Manchester United player to win the men's PFA Players’ Player of the Year award since Wayne Rooney claimed the honour in the 2009/10 season.
The award also adds to Fernandes' individual recognition this year after he was named the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year in May.
Speaking after receiving the PFA award, Fernandes said he was particularly proud because the winner is selected by players who compete against him.
"It is obviously a very proud moment," Fernandes said. "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."
Bunny Shaw wins women's PFA award
Manchester City striker Bunny Shaw claimed the PFA Women's Players’ Player of the Year award for the second time.
The Jamaica international scored 21 goals during the campaign as Manchester City secured their first Women's Super League title, while she also collected the Golden Boot for a third consecutive season.
Shaw previously won the PFA Women's Player of the Year award in the 2023/24 campaign.
Her latest success adds another major individual honour to an impressive season for the Manchester City forward.
O'Reilly and Smith named Young Players of the Year
Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly was named the men's PFA Young Player of the Year following an impressive campaign.
The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season with City and was also part of England's squad that finished with a bronze medal at the World Cup.
O'Reilly was joined in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year by Manchester City teammates Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo.
Arsenal's Olivia Smith claimed the women's Young Player of the Year award for the second consecutive campaign after another impressive season.
Smith previously won the honour for her performances at Liverpool before continuing her strong form after moving to Arsenal.
Arsenal lead Premier League Team of the Year selections
Premier League champions Arsenal had five players selected in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.
David Raya, Gabriel, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice were all recognised following the Gunners' title-winning campaign.
Fernandes was also included, alongside Brentford striker Igor Thiago.
The selections highlight Arsenal's dominance during their successful league campaign, while Fernandes' inclusion reflects his individual impact despite Manchester United finishing outside the title race.
Shaw leads strong WSL Team of the Year
Manchester City's success was also reflected in the PFA Women's Super League Team of the Year.
Shaw was joined by City teammates Kerstin Casparij and Yui Hasegawa.
Arsenal contributed Mariona Caldentey, Emily Fox and Alessia Russo, while Tottenham's Toko Koga and Manchester United's Jess Park also made the team.
Chelsea had three representatives, with goalkeeper Hannah Hampton joined by Ellie Carpenter and Lauren James.
Dalglish and Carney receive PFA merit awards
Sir Kenny Dalglish and Karen Carney were also recognised at the PFA Awards with merit honours for their contributions to football.
Dalglish enjoyed an exceptional career as both a player and manager, winning major honours with Celtic and Liverpool before guiding Blackburn Rovers to the Premier League title.
Carney represented England 144 times and enjoyed trophy-winning spells with Arsenal and Chelsea during her playing career.
The pair were recognised alongside the players who dominated the individual awards at this year's ceremony.
Key Takeaways
- Bruno Fernandes won the 2025/26 PFA Players’ Player of the Year award.
- The Manchester United captain broke the Premier League single-season assists record with 21.
- Fernandes scored nine Premier League goals as United finished third.
- Bunny Shaw won the PFA Women's Players’ Player of the Year award for a second time.
- Nico O'Reilly and Olivia Smith claimed the men's and women's Young Player awards respectively.
- Arsenal had five players named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.
- Sir Kenny Dalglish and Karen Carney received PFA merit awards.
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