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 impressive performances throughout the campaign in England’s top division earned him the highest overall rating, placing him ahead of every other star in the league’s virtual lineup.
Fernandes’ stellar season was reflected not only in his individual rating but also in the company he keeps on the virtual pitch. Alongside him, Manchester City’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma secured a spot in the starting eleven, as did Hungary’s dynamic winger Dominik Szoboszlai, who has become a regular fixture in City’s attack.
Both Donnarumma and Szoboszlai share the honor of being named starters, underscoring the blend of defensive solidity and attacking flair that defined the season. The TOTS also highlighted a few breakthrough moments for young talent.
Szoboszlai, already an established name, was joined by Antoine Semenyo, who earned a starting place for the first time in his professional career. Semenyo’s inclusion signals his rising influence at the back, while Rayan Cherki, the French prodigy from Lyon, made his debut appearance in the team after a successful first season in the Premier League, mirroring Donnarumma’s rapid adaptation to English football. Erling Haaland continued his dominance in the virtual world by achieving his third consecutive EA SPORTS FC Team of the Season selection. The Norwegian striker’s third‑year streak adds to Manchester City’s impressive tally of four players named in this edition of the team, illustrating the club’s depth across the pitch.
Arsenal contributed a strong quartet to the lineup. Gabriel, the Brazilian left‑back, featured alongside midfield stalwart Declan Rice, versatile defender Jurrien Timber, and centre‑back William Saliba.
Their collective presence reflects Arsenal’s resurgence under Mikel Arteta and the balance they displayed between defense and midfield during the real‑life season. Chelsea was not left out either; full‑back Marc Cucurella earned a place in the squad, showcasing the Blues’ growing defensive options.
Meanwhile, a trio of emerging talents—Hugo Ekitike, James Garner, and Lewis Hall—were recognized as breakthrough players. Although they did not make the starting XI, they were listed as TOTS breakthrough items, indicating their potential to become regular fixtures in future editions of the game. Some notable names missed out on starting positions and were relegated to the bench. David Raya, Igor Thiago, and Reece James were among those who found themselves among the substitutes, highlighting the fierce competition for spots in a league that boasts a deep pool of talent.
The Women’s Super League (WSL) also received its own Team of the Season. Manchester City’s Bunny Shaw topped the ratings for the women’s side, leading a squad that included Manchester United’s dynamic duo Jess Park and Maya Le Tissier. Chelsea’s record signing Alyssa Thompson made an immediate impact, earning a place in the team during her debut season in England. Arsenal’s experienced leaders Katie McCabe and Mariona Caldentey also secured spots, rounding out a diverse and talented group of players representing the best of the women’s game.
For fans eager to relive the highlights, free Premier League clips are available online, and those with a Sky subscription can stream matches via the Sky Sports app. Viewers without Sky can still gain instant access through various streaming options that require no long‑term contract.
The live Premier League table remains a vital tool for tracking the ongoing battle for the title, European places, and relegation survival. Below is a detailed breakdown of the starting XI and bench for both the men’s and women’s teams, illustrating the breadth of talent recognized by EA SPORTS FC 26: **Men’s Starting XI – Goalkeeper & Defenders** - Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City) - Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) – highest‑rated player - Dominik Szoboszlai (Manchester City) - Antoine Semenyo (Chelsea) - Rayan Cherki (Manchester City) **Bench – Goalkeeper & Defenders** - David Raya (Tottenham Hotspur) – 93 rating - Reece James (Chelsea) – 91 rating - Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) – 95 rating - Lewis Hall (Chelsea) – 90 rating - Granit Xhaka (Arsenal) – 91 rating - James Garner (Manchester United) – 90 rating - Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United) – 92 rating - Enzo Fernández (Chelsea) – 93 rating - Hugo Ekitike (Paris Saint‑Germain) – 93 rating - João Pedro (Brighton & Hove Albion) – 92 rating - Igor Thiago (Wolverhampton Wanderers) – 92 rating **Women’s Starting XI – Goalkeeper & Defenders** - Hannah Hampton (Chelsea) – 92 rating - Kerstin Casparij (Manchester City) – 96 rating - Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United) – 95 rating - Tōko Koga (Tottenham Hotspur) – 93 rating - Katie McCabe (Arsenal) – 92 rating **Midfielders** - Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City) – 94 rating - Jess Park (Manchester United) – 94 rating - Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal) – 96 rating **Forwards** - Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea) – 95 rating - Vivianne Miedema (Manchester City) – 93 rating - Khadija Shaw (Manchester City) – 97 rating **Women’s Bench** - Freya Godfrey (Chelsea) – 91 rating - Aoba Fujino (Arsenal) – 91 rating - Olivia Holdt (Manchester United) – 90 rating Beyond the virtual accolades, the EA SPORTS FC 26 Team of the Season serves as a snapshot of the season’s narrative: the rise of young prospects, the consistency of established stars, and the ever‑tightening competition across both the men’s and women’s leagues. It also fuels the excitement for the upcoming Super 6 promotion, where fans can compete for a share of a £250,000 prize pool at no cost to enter. This blend of real‑world performance and digital recognition continues to deepen the connection between football enthusiasts and the gaming community, celebrating the sport’s global appeal in both arenas.