Manchester United’s captain, Bruno Fernandes, has been officially announced as the recipient of the men’s PFA Players' Player of the Year award for the 2025/26 season, while Manchester City’s prolific forward Bunny Shaw claimed the women’s equivalent for a second consecutive year. Fernandes, the Portuguese playmaker, enjoyed a historic campaign in the Premier League, shattering the all‑time assists record by delivering 21 goal‑setting passes – a tally that placed him ahead of both Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. His creative influence was a cornerstone of United’s resurgence after a turbulent start to the campaign.
The 31‑year‑old also contributed nine goals of his own, helping the Red Devils climb back into the top three, secure a third‑place finish and earn a return to the UEFA Champions League under the stewardship of manager Michael Carrick. When asked about the significance of being voted the best by his peers, Fernandes expressed genuine pride.
“It’s an incredibly special moment,” he said. “The players you face week in, week out are the ones casting the votes, so it isn’t easy to pick someone you compete against. To be recognised by them makes it all the more meaningful.” His accolade marks the first time a United player has collected the PFA Players' Player award since Wayne Rooney’s triumph in the 2009/10 season, and it adds to the Portugal international’s recent haul of the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year title awarded in May. On the women’s side, Manchester City’s star striker Bunny Shaw repeated her success, taking home the PFA Women’s Player of the Year trophy for the second year running.
The 29‑year‑old, who also earned recognition from the Football Writers' Association, netted 21 goals during the 2023/24 season, securing a third straight Golden Boot and playing a pivotal role in City’s maiden Women’s Super League championship. The awards ceremony also highlighted emerging talent across both the men’s and women’s games.
Arsenal’s Olivia Smith was named PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year for the second straight season, having previously captured the 2025 award while representing Liverpool and now continuing her development at the London club. In the men’s category, Manchester City’s versatile youngster Nico O'Reilly, aged 21, received the PFA Men’s Young Player of the Year honour after a breakthrough season that culminated in England winning bronze at the World Cup. O'Reilly, who also featured in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year alongside City teammates Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo, summed up his feelings: “It’s been an amazing season. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved – two club trophies and the chance to represent my country at a World Cup.
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 David Raya, Gabriel, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice earning spots, while the Player of the Year accolade went to Fernandes and Brentford’s striker Igor Thiago rounded out the eleven. The women’s Team of the Year featured three City players – Shaw alongside teammates Kerstin Casparij and Yui Hasegawa – with Mariona Caldentey, last year’s PFA Women’s Player of the Year, joined by Arsenal’s Emily Fox and Alessia Russo. Tottenham defender Toko Koga, Manchester United’s Jess Park, and Chelsea’s trio of Hannah Hampton, Ellie Carpenter and Lauren James also made the elite line‑up.
In the lower divisions, the PFA recognised outstanding performers as well. Former Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackey, who transferred to Everton for a reported £24 million in the summer, was named the Championship PFA Players' Player of the Year.
Dom Ballard, who moved from Leyton Orient to Bristol City earlier in the season, captured the League One award, while Swindon striker Aaron Drinan was honoured as the League Two Players’ Player of the Year. The ceremony also paid tribute to two footballing legends with the PFA Merit Awards.
Sir Kenny Dalglish, a 75‑year‑old icon who enjoyed a glittering playing career with Celtic and Liverpool and amassed 102 caps for Scotland, was celebrated for his contributions both on and off the pitch. Dalglish, who disclosed in June that he is undergoing treatment for cancer, later forged a successful managerial path, guiding Liverpool to three league titles and masterminding Blackburn Rovers’ surprise Premier League triumph.
Former England international Karen Carney also received a merit award in recognition of her impact on the women’s game. Carney earned 144 caps for England, was part of the Lionesses squad that finished third 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 after rising through the Birmingham City academy. The awards night, broadcast across Sky Sports platforms, also featured promotional segments encouraging viewers to stream Premier League and Women’s Super League action via the Sky Sports app, download the service on mobile devices, and stay connected through WhatsApp updates. Overall, the 2025/26 PFA awards highlighted a season of remarkable individual achievements, record‑breaking performances and the continued rise of young talent across English football, while also honouring the enduring legacies of those who have shaped the sport for decades.