Manchester United’s midfield maestro Bruno Fernandes has emerged as the top‑rated player in the EA SPORTS FC 26 Premier League Team of the Season (TOTS). His standout performances throughout the 2023‑24 campaign earned him the highest overall rating among all the league’s elite, surpassing even the likes of Manchester City’s world‑class goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and the dynamic Hungarian winger Dominik Szoboszlai, both of whom also secured spots in the starting eleven.
Fernandes’ influence on the pitch has been nothing short of extraordinary. From decisive goals and assists to his ability to dictate the tempo of play, the Portuguese star has been a constant threat to opposition defenses.
His vision, passing range, and tenacity have helped Manchester United climb the table and remain competitive in both domestic and European contests. As a result, the EA SPORTS FC rating committee recognized his all‑round contributions with the highest numeric score, a testament to his consistency and impact. Joining Fernandes in the starting lineup are other standout performers.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, the towering shot‑stopper for Manchester City, continued his reputation as one of the Premier League’s most reliable custodians, earning a place among the elite eleven. Meanwhile, Szoboszlai, whose explosive pace and creative flair have been vital for Liverpool, also made the cut, reflecting his rapid adaptation to English football and his knack for delivering key moments.
The announcement also highlighted several players achieving personal milestones. Hungarian international Dominik Szoboszlai and England‑born striker Antoine Semenyo both earned a starting berth for the first time in their respective careers, a clear indication that their recent form has caught the attention of the selection panel. Additionally, Rayan Cherki, the young French talent from Paris Saint‑Germain who joined Manchester City this season, secured a spot alongside his senior teammate Donnarumma, marking a promising start to his Premier League journey. Erling Haaland, the Norwegian goal‑scoring phenomenon for Manchester City, made his third consecutive appearance in the EA SPORTS FC Team of the Season, underscoring his sustained excellence and his role as a consistent goal‑getter.
Haaland’s inclusion also contributed to Manchester City’s impressive tally of four players named in the squad, a reflection of the club’s depth and quality across multiple positions. Arsenal also enjoyed a solid representation, with four of its players—midfielder Gabriel, defensive stalwart Declan Rice, versatile full‑back Jurrien Timber, and composed centre‑back William Saliba—being recognized for their contributions to the Gunners’ successful season. Chelsea’s dynamic left‑back Marc Cucurella rounded out the list of starters, adding to the diversity of clubs represented. Beyond the starting eleven, the EA SPORTS FC awards also highlighted emerging talents who, while not making the main squad, were identified as breakthrough players for the season.
Hugo Ekitike, the French striker who impressed with his physicality and finishing at Tottenham Hotspur, James Garner, the promising English defender from Manchester United, and Lewis Hall, a rising star at Brighton, were all named as TOTS breakthrough items, signalling a bright future for these youngsters. Some notable names missed out on a starting position but were included among the substitutes, illustrating the depth of talent in the league. Veteran goalkeeper David Raya, versatile defender Igor Thiago, and the adaptable full‑back Reece James were among those listed as reserves, showing that even seasoned professionals faced stiff competition for a place in the elite eleven. The Women’s Super League (WSL) also received its own Team of the Season honors.
Manchester City’s prolific forward Bunny Shaw topped the ratings for the women’s side, reflecting her impressive goal tally and overall influence on the pitch. The WSL selection also featured a Manchester United duo—midfielder Jess Park and forward Maya Le Tissier—highlighting the club’s growing prominence in the women’s game.
Chelsea’s record signing Alyssa Thompson, who made an immediate impact in her debut season, secured a spot, while Arsenal’s versatile captain Katie McCabe and Spanish forward Mariona Caldentey were also recognized for their performances. The release of the EA SPORTS FC 26 TOTS coincided with promotional offers for fans. Those with a Sky subscription could enjoy free Premier League highlights via the Sky Sports app, while non‑Sky users were offered instant, contract‑free access to live matches.
The announcement also provided a link to a live Premier League table, enabling fans to track the standings as the season progressed. In addition to the player rankings, the official release included a detailed bench list for both the men’s and women’s selections, showcasing the depth of talent across positions. For the men’s side, the bench featured a mix of seasoned professionals and promising youngsters: goalkeeper David Raya (93), defender Reece James (91), centre‑back Virgil van Dijk (95), versatile defender Lewis Hall (90), midfield anchor Granit Xhaka (91), defensive midfielder James Garner (90), creative midfielder Bruno Guimarães (92), deep‑lying playmaker Enzo Fernandez (93), forward Hugo Ekitike (93), versatile attacker Joao Pedro (92), and dynamic forward Igor Thiago (92).
The women’s bench highlighted emerging talents such as Freya Godfrey (91), Aoba Fujino (91), and Olivia Holdt (90), underscoring the growing pool of talent in the WSL. Beyond the awards, the announcement also promoted a promotional competition: the "Super 6" game, where participants could enter for free for a chance to win a prize pool of £250,000. This initiative aimed to engage fans further and add an extra layer of excitement to the football season.
Overall, the EA SPORTS FC 26 Premier League and Women’s Super League Teams of the Season celebrate the achievements of both established stars and rising prospects, reflecting the competitive nature of English football across both the men’s and women’s divisions. The recognition not only honors individual excellence but also highlights the collective progress of clubs as they strive for domestic and international success.