Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been honoured as the men’s PFA Players' Player of the Year for the 2025/26 campaign, while Manchester City forward Bunny Shaw secured the women’s award for a second consecutive season. Fernandes, the Portuguese playmaker, concluded an extraordinary season by shattering the all‑time Premier League assist record, registering 21 assists and overtaking the likes of Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
In addition to his creative prowess, the 31‑year‑old found the back of the net nine times, playing a pivotal role in United’s resurgence after a turbulent start. Under the guidance of interim manager Michael Carrick, the Red Devils climbed the table to finish third, thereby reclaiming a spot in the UEFA Champions League. The award carries special significance for Fernandes because it was voted for by his fellow professionals – the very opponents he battles week in and week out. "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," he said after receiving the trophy. This accolade makes him the first United player to win the PFA Players' Player award since Wayne Rooney lifted the prize in the 2009/10 season, adding to his earlier recognition as the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year in May. On the women’s side, City’s sharpshooter Bunny Shaw was once again celebrated as the PFA Women’s Player of the Year. The 29‑year‑old, who also collected the Football Writers' Association award, repeated her triumph from the previous season after netting 21 goals, securing a third straight Golden Boot, and helping Manchester City claim the Women’s Super League title for the first time in her career.
Arsenal midfielder Olivia Smith was named the PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year for the second year running, following her impressive spell at Liverpool that earned her the 2025 accolade. Smith continued her impressive form after transferring to the capital, further establishing herself as one of the brightest emerging talents in the women’s game. The men’s PFA Young Player of the Year award went to Manchester City’s versatile youngster Nico O'Reilly.
The 21‑year‑old enjoyed a breakout season, contributing to City’s dominance and playing a part in England’s bronze‑medal finish at the World Cup. O'Reilly also earned a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year alongside teammates Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo.
Reflecting on his achievements, O'Reilly 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." Champions Arsenal were well‑represented in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, with David Raya, Gabriel, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice all earning spots, while the Player of the Year honour went to Fernandes and Brentford striker Igor Thiago rounded out the eleven.
The PFA Women’s Super League Team of the Year featured three City players – Shaw, Kerstin Casparij and Yui Hasegawa – alongside last year’s PFA Women’s Player of the Year Mariona Caldentey, Arsenal’s Emily Fox and Alessia Russo. Tottenham defender Toko Koga, United’s Jess Park, and a Chelsea trio of Hannah Hampton, Ellie Carpenter and Lauren James also made the lineup. In the English Football League, former Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackey, who completed a £24 million move to Everton this summer, was named the Championship PFA Players' Player of the Year. Dom Ballard, who transferred from Leyton Orient to Bristol City, collected the League One award, while Swindon striker Aaron Drinan was honoured as the League Two Player of the Year.
The PFA also presented merit awards to two legends of the game. Sir Kenny Dalglish, a 75‑year‑old who boasts a decorated playing career with Celtic and Liverpool and holds the record for the most caps for Scotland (102), received a merit award despite currently undergoing treatment for cancer. His managerial résumé includes three league titles with Liverpool and the historic Premier League triumph with Blackburn Rovers.
Former England international Karen Carney was also recognised for her contributions to football. Carney earned 144 caps for England, played a key part in the Lionesses’ third‑place finish at the 2015 World Cup, lifted a quadruple with Arsenal in 2007, and later secured a league and FA Cup double with Chelsea in 2018. These awards underscore a season of remarkable individual performances across both the men’s and women’s games, highlighting the depth of talent in English football and the impact of players who excel at the highest level.