Bruno Fernandes Named PFA Players' Player of the Year While Bunny Shaw Repeats as Women's Winner

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been honoured as the men’s PFA Players’ Player of the Year for the 2025/26 season, while Manchester City forward Bunny Shaw clinched the women’s award for a second consecutive year. Fernandes’ season was nothing short of historic; the Portuguese playmaker shattered the Premier League’s all‑time assist record by delivering 21 goal‑setting passes, overtaking legends such as Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. In addition to his creative exploits, the 31‑year‑old netted nine goals, helping United recover from a faltering start to secure a third‑place finish and a return to the Champions League under the guidance of Michael Carrick.

When asked about the significance of being voted the best by his peers, Fernandes expressed genuine pride. "It’s an incredible moment," he said. "These are the players you line up against every week, and it’s not easy for them to pick someone from the opposition.

To have their respect means a lot." His accolade marks the first time a United player has taken home the PFA Players’ Player trophy since Wayne Rooney’s win in the 2009/10 campaign, and it adds to Fernandes’ recent haul of the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award earned in May. On the women’s side, Manchester City’s prolific striker Bunny Shaw repeated her success, capturing the PFA Women’s Player of the Year title for the second time.

The 29‑year‑old had already been recognised by the FWA and now adds another prestigious prize to her résumé. Shaw’s 21‑goal haul not only secured her a third straight Golden Boot but also propelled City to a third consecutive Women’s Super League crown, cementing her status as one of the league’s most lethal finishers. The awards ceremony also highlighted emerging talent.

Arsenal’s Olivia Smith was named the Women’s PFA Young Player of the Year for the second year running, having previously won the 2025 award for her performances with Liverpool before moving to the capital and continuing her impressive form. In the men’s game, Manchester City’s versatile youngster Nico O’Reilly earned the Men’s PFA Young Player of the Year honour after a breakthrough season that saw him contribute to England’s World Cup bronze medal run.

O’Reilly, 21, also featured 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’ve had an outstanding season.

Winning two trophies with my club and representing my country at the World Cup is a dream come true. I’m over the moon with how everything turned out." Champions Arsenal were well represented in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, with five players – David Raya, Gabriel, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice – earning spots alongside United’s Fernandes and Brentford striker Igor Thiago.

The Women’s Super League Team of the Year featured three City players: Shaw, Kerstin Casparij and Yui Hasegawa. Former Women’s Player of the Year Mariona Caldentey completed the XI with Arsenal teammates Emily Fox and Alessia Russo.

Additional selections included Tottenham defender Toko Koga, United’s Jess Park, and a Chelsea trio comprising Hannah Hampton, Ellie Carpenter and Lauren James. Further down the English football pyramid, the PFA recognised outstanding performers in the lower leagues.

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. In League One, Dom Ballard earned the award after his switch from Leyton Orient to Bristol City, while Swindon striker Aaron Drinan captured the League Two prize. The ceremony also honoured two footballing legends with merit awards.

Sir Kenny Dalglash, a 75‑year‑old Scottish icon, was celebrated for his remarkable contributions as both player and manager. Dalglash amassed 102 caps for Scotland, enjoyed a glittering spell with Celtic and Liverpool, and later guided Liverpool to three league titles and Blackburn Rovers to a Premier League triumph. In June, he disclosed that he was undergoing treatment for cancer, prompting an outpouring of support from the football community. Former England international Karen Carney received the women’s merit award.

Carney earned 144 caps for the Lionesses, was part of the squad that secured third place at the 2015 World Cup, and enjoyed a decorated club career that included a quadruple with Arsenal in 2007 and a league‑cup double with Chelsea in 2018. Her journey from Birmingham’s youth system to the upper echelons of the women’s game exemplifies dedication and excellence. The PFA awards night not only celebrated individual brilliance but also highlighted the depth and diversity of talent across English football, from the Premier League’s global stars to the hardworking professionals in the lower divisions.

The event underscored the importance of peer recognition, with players voting for those they respect most on the pitch, and it provided a moment for the sport to reflect on its past heroes while looking forward to the next generation of stars.