Manchester United’s midfield maestro Bruno Fernandes has been crowned the top‑rated player in the EA SPORTS FC 26 Premier League Team of the Season (TOTS). After a campaign in which he consistently dictated play, created chances and chipped in with crucial goals, the Portuguese international earned the highest overall rating in the virtual league’s most prestigious seasonal award.
Fernandes joins a distinguished group of Premier League stars who have also secured spots in the starting eleven, including Manchester City’s ever‑reliable goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and Hungary’s dynamic winger Dominik Szoboszlai, both of whom were also recognized for their exceptional contributions. The TOTS selection highlights several notable milestones. Szoboszlai, who has been a revelation for City with his explosive dribbling and eye‑for‑goal, repeats his presence in the lineup, while fellow City youngster Antoine Semenyo makes his debut appearance in the starting XI – a first‑time honour that reflects his rapid development and impact on the pitch.
Similarly, Rayan Cherki, the French prodigy who joined City this season, follows in Donnarumma’s footsteps by earning a place in the team during his inaugural Premier League campaign, underscoring the club’s successful integration of young talent. Erling Haaland, Manchester City’s prolific Norwegian striker, records his third consecutive appearance in the EA SPORTS FC Team of the Season, cementing his status as one of the game’s most dominant forwards. His inclusion lifts City’s total to four players named in the current TOTS, a testament to the club’s depth across all positions.
Arsenal also enjoys a strong representation with four players making the cut: Gabriel, the versatile defender; Declan Rice, the midfield anchor; Jurrien Timber, the composed centre‑back; and William Saliba, the young French centre‑half who has become a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defensive line. Chelsea’s full‑back Marc Cucurella rounds out the list of established Premier League stars, receiving recognition for his solid defensive work and ability to contribute offensively. In addition to the starting eleven, the TOTS also highlights emerging talents who, while not selected for the main squad, have been designated as breakthrough items. Hugo Ekitike, the French forward who impressed with his speed and finishing; James Garner, the versatile midfielder known for his box‑to‑box energy; and Lewis Hall, the promising defender from Chelsea’s academy, all earned this distinction, indicating that they are players to watch in the coming seasons.
Some high‑profile names missed out on a starting spot and were placed on the bench instead. David Raya, the Brighton goalkeeper praised for his distribution; Igor Thiago, the versatile Brazilian midfielder; and Reece James, Chelsea’s dynamic right‑back, were among those listed as substitutes, reflecting the intense competition for places in the elite virtual lineup.
The Women’s Super League (WSL) also received its own Team of the Season. Manchester City’s Bunny Shaw emerged as the highest‑rated player in the women’s side, showcasing her lethal finishing and aerial prowess.
The WSL XI includes Manchester United’s dynamic duo Jess Park and Maya Le Tissier, both of whom have been instrumental in United’s attacking play. Chelsea’s record signing Alyssa Thompson made the team in her debut season, highlighting her immediate impact in the English top flight. Arsenal’s Katie McCabe and Spain international Mariona Caldentey also earned spots, demonstrating the breadth of talent across the league.
Beyond the player listings, the announcement is accompanied by a suite of promotional messages for fans. Viewers are invited to watch free Premier League highlights, access live matches via the Sky Sports app for Sky subscribers, or obtain instant, contract‑free access for non‑Sky viewers.
A live Premier League table is also featured, allowing fans to track their favourite clubs in real time. The detailed breakdown of the squad includes a bench list for goalkeepers and defenders, featuring names such as David Raya (rating 93), Reece James (91), Virgil van Dijk (95), Lewis Hall (90), Granit Xhaka (91), James Garner (90), Bruno Guimarães (92), Enzo Fernández (93), Hugo Ekitike (93), João Pedro (92), and Igor Thiago (92). The women’s bench mirrors the same depth, with players like Hannah Hampton (92) from Chelsea, Kerstin Casparij (96) from Manchester City, Maya Le Tissier (95) from Manchester United, Tōko Koga (93) from Tottenham Hotspur, Katie McCabe (92) from Arsenal, Yui Hasegawa (94) from Manchester City, Jess Park (94) from Manchester United, and Mariona (96) from Arsenal, among others. Additional rising stars such as Alyssa Thompson (95) from Chelsea, Vivianne Miedema (93) from Manchester City, and Khadija Shaw (97) from Manchester City round out the elite roster.
The announcement concludes with a promotional call‑to‑action for the “Super 6” competition, offering participants a chance to win a £250,000 prize pool, with entry available for free. This initiative aims to engage fans further, encouraging them to interact with the EA SPORTS FC brand while testing their knowledge of the season’s standout performers. In summary, the EA SPORTS FC 26 Premier League Team of the Season celebrates the season’s most influential players across both the men’s and women’s leagues, highlighting established stars, breakthrough talents, and promising newcomers.
Bruno Fernandes tops the list, reflecting his pivotal role for Manchester United, while a host of other elite performers from Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, and beyond receive recognition for their contributions to one of the most exciting football seasons in recent memory.