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

Manchester United’s captain, Bruno Fernandes, has been honoured as the men's PFA Players' Player of the Year for the 2025/26 season, while Manchester City’s prolific forward Bunny Shaw secured the women's accolade for the second consecutive year. Fernandes’ remarkable 2025‑26 campaign saw him shatter the Premier League’s all‑time assist record, delivering 21 goal‑setting passes and overtaking the tallies of legends Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.

In addition to his creative brilliance, the 31‑year‑old Portuguese international found the back of the net nine times, playing a pivotal role in United’s resurgence after a turbulent start to the league. Under the guidance of interim manager Michael Carrick, United climbed to a respectable third‑place finish, guaranteeing a return to the UEFA Champions League. Fernandes expressed genuine gratitude for being recognised by his peers, noting that "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." His award marks the first time a United player has claimed the PFA Players' Player title since Wayne Rooney’s triumph in the 2009/10 season, adding to his recent Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year honour awarded in May. On the women’s side, Manchester City’s sharpshooter Bunny Shaw was 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 success from the 2023‑24 season by netting 21 goals, securing a third straight Golden Boot and guiding City to a maiden Women’s Super League crown.

Shaw’s consistency and clinical finishing have cemented her status as one of the premier talents in English women's football. Arsenal’s rising star Olivia Smith was named the PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year for the second year running. Smith, who previously captured the 2025 award while representing Liverpool, continued her impressive form after transferring to the capital, further highlighting her rapid development and importance to the Gunners. In the men’s youth category, Manchester City’s versatile youngster Nico O'Reilly earned the PFA Men’s Young Player of the Year award.

The 21‑year‑old enjoyed a standout season, contributing to City’s domestic dominance and playing a key part in England’s World Cup bronze‑medal campaign. O'Reilly, who also secured a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year alongside teammates Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki, and Antoine Semenyo, reflected on his achievements: "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 earning spots, while United’s Fernandes and Brentford’s 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 Mariona Caldentey, last year’s PFA Women’s Player of the Year, and Arsenal teammates Emily Fox and Alessia Russo. Tottenham defender Toko Koga, United’s Jess Park, and Chelsea’s trio of Hannah Hampton, Ellie Carpenter and Lauren James also secured places in the elite XI.

Further down the football pyramid, the PFA recognised outstanding performances across 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. In League One, Dom Ballard, who transferred from Leyton Orient to Bristol City earlier in the season, received the award, while Swindon striker Aaron Drinan was honoured as the League Two Player of the Year. The PFA also presented merit awards to two iconic figures for their lifelong contributions to the sport.

Sir Kenny Dalglish, a 75‑year‑old Scottish legend, was celebrated for a career that includes 102 caps for Scotland, league titles with Liverpool as both player and manager, and guiding Blackburn Rovers to a Premier League triumph. Dalglish, who announced in June that he is undergoing treatment for cancer, was praised for his enduring impact on the game.

Former England international Karen Carney was the female recipient of the merit award. Carney amassed 144 caps for the Lionesses, featuring in the squad that secured third place at the 2015 Women’s World Cup. A product of Birmingham’s youth system, she enjoyed a glittering club career, winning a quadruple with Arsenal in 2007 and later achieving a league and FA Cup double with Chelsea in 2018. These accolades underscore a season of remarkable individual brilliance across both the men’s and women’s games, highlighting the depth of talent in English football and the respect players hold for one another’s achievements.

The PFA’s awards ceremony not only celebrated on‑field success but also honoured those who have shaped the sport’s history, offering inspiration for the next generation of footballers.