Bruno Fernandes Secures PFA Players' Player of the Year Honour as Bunny Shaw Repeats Women's Triumph

Manchester United’s captain, Bruno Fernandes, has been named the men’s PFA Players' Player of the Year for the 2025/26 season, while Manchester City’s forward Bunny Shaw captured the women’s award for a second consecutive year. Fernandes’ achievement comes after a landmark campaign in which he shattered the Premier League’s all‑time assist record, delivering 21 goal‑setting passes and overtaking the likes of Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. In addition to his creative exploits, the 31‑year‑old Portuguese midfielder found the net nine times, helping United recover from a precarious start to the season and secure a third‑place finish that guarantees a return to the UEFA Champions League under the stewardship of Michael Carrick.

Fernandes expressed genuine pride at being recognised by his peers, noting that the vote carries special weight because it comes from the very players he competes against on the pitch. “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 the ceremony. His accolade makes him the first United player to win the award since Wayne Rooney lifted it in the 2009/10 season, and it adds to his recent Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year trophy earned in May.

On the women’s side, City’s prolific striker Bunny Shaw was once again honoured as the PFA Women’s Player of the Year. The 29‑year‑old, who also collected the Football Writers' Association award, repeated her success from the previous season by scoring 21 goals, securing a third straight Golden Boot, and playing a pivotal role in City’s maiden Women’s Super League title. Shaw’s consistency and clinical finishing have cemented her status as one of the premier talents in the women's game.

The awards night also highlighted rising stars. Arsenal’s Olivia Smith claimed the Women’s PFA Young Player of the Year title for the second year running, following her breakthrough season with Liverpool in 2025 and her continued development after moving to the capital. In the men’s game, Manchester City’s versatile youngster Nico O'Reilly was named PFA Young Player of the Year after an impressive season that culminated in a World Cup bronze medal with England. O'Reilly, 21, also earned a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year alongside City 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 making the squad.

The team also featured United’s Player of the Year Bruno Fernandes and Brentford striker Igor Thiago, underscoring the depth of talent across the league. The PFA Women’s Super League Team of the Year mirrored City’s dominance, with three City players – Bunny Shaw, Kerstin Casparij and Yui Hasegawa – earning spots. Former PFA Women’s Player of the Year Mariona Caldentey joined Arsenal teammates Emily Fox and Alessia Russo in the XI. Tottenham defender Toko Koga, United’s Jess Park, and a Chelsea trio comprising Hannah Hampton, Ellie Carpenter and Lauren James also received recognition for their contributions throughout the season.

In the English Football League, former Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackey, who completed a £24 million transfer to Everton this summer, was honoured as the Championship PFA Players' Player of the Year. League One saw Dom Ballard, who moved from Leyton Orient to Bristol City earlier in the year, claim the award, while Swindon striker Aaron Drinan was named the League Two Player of the Year.

The evening concluded with the presentation of the PFA Merit Awards to Sir Kenny Dalglish and former England international Karen Carney, celebrating their lifelong contributions to the sport. Dalglish’s illustrious career includes 102 caps for Scotland, league titles with Celtic and Liverpool, and a managerial record that saw him guide Liverpool to three English championships and Blackburn Rovers to a surprise Premier League triumph.

In June, Dalglish disclosed that he was undergoing treatment for cancer, prompting an outpouring of support from the football community. Karen Carney, a 144‑cap England veteran, was a key figure in the Lionesses squad that secured third place at the 2015 Women’s World Cup. Rising through Birmingham’s academy, Carney later enjoyed a historic spell with Arsenal, winning a quadruple in 2007, before adding a league and FA Cup double with Chelsea in 2018.

Both recipients were praised for their dedication, leadership and lasting impact on the game. The PFA awards night not only celebrated individual excellence but also highlighted the growing parity and professionalism across men’s and women’s football in England. With record‑breaking performances, emerging talents, and seasoned legends all honoured, the ceremony underscored a season of remarkable achievements and set the stage for an exciting new campaign ahead.