Bruno Fernandes, the captain of Manchester United, has been named the men’s PFA Players' Player of the Year for the 2025/26 campaign, while Manchester City forward Bunny Shaw secured the women’s equivalent for a second consecutive season. Fernandes’ season was highlighted by a historic achievement: he shattered the Premier League’s all‑time assist record, delivering 21 assists and overtaking the tallies of legends Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
In addition to his creative brilliance, the 31‑year‑old Portuguese midfielder contributed nine goals, helping United recover from a precarious start to the season and ultimately finish third in the league under the stewardship of Michael Carrick, thereby clinching a return to the Champions League. When asked about the award, Fernandes expressed genuine pride in being recognised by his peers, noting that “the players you face week in, week out are the ones who vote, so it makes the accolade even more special.” He became the first United player to lift the PFA Players' Player of the Year trophy since Wayne Rooney’s triumph in the 2009/10 season, adding the honour to his recent Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year award earned in May.
On the women’s side, Bunny Shaw, the prolific striker for Manchester City, repeated her success, collecting the PFA Women’s Player of the Year award for the second time. The 29‑year‑old’s tally of 21 goals not only secured her a third straight Golden Boot but also propelled City to a third consecutive Women’s Super League title. Shaw’s outstanding season was also recognised by the Football Writers' Association, underscoring her dominance in English women’s football.
The young talent Olivia Smith of Arsenal was celebrated as the PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year for the second year running. Smith, who previously earned the award while playing for Liverpool in 2025, continued her impressive form after moving to the capital, further cementing her reputation as one of the most promising forwards in the women’s game.
In the men’s youth category, Manchester City’s versatile youngster Nico O'Reilly was honoured as the PFA Men’s Young Player of the Year. The 21‑year‑old enjoyed a breakthrough season that saw him play a key role in City’s domestic successes and also feature for England as they secured a bronze medal at the World Cup.
O'Reilly, who also earned a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year alongside teammates Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo, summed up his feelings: “I had a great season. I’m very proud of what we achieved – two club trophies and the chance to represent my country at the World Cup. I’m over the moon with how everything turned out.” The PFA Premier League Team of the Year was heavily represented by Arsenal, with five players – goalkeeper David Raya, defender Gabriel, centre‑back William Saliba, midfielder Jurrien Timber and midfield engine Declan Rice – earning spots. The team also featured United’s Player of the Year Bruno Fernandes and Brentford’s striker Igor Thiago, highlighting the spread of talent across the league.
The Women’s Super League Team of the Year reflected City’s dominance, with three of their players – Shaw, defender Kerstin Casparij and midfielder Yui Hasegawa – selected. Former PFA Women’s Player of the Year Mariona Caldentey joined Arsenal teammates Emily Fox and Alessia Russo in the XI, while Tottenham’s defender Toko Koga, United’s Jess Park, and Chelsea’s trio of Hannah Hampton, Ellie Carpenter and Lauren James rounded out the squad. Beyond the top tiers, the PFA also recognised excellence 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. 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 Players' Player of the Year. The association’s merit awards were presented to two iconic figures in British football.
Sir Kenny Dalglish was celebrated for his extraordinary contributions as both player and manager. Dalglish’s playing career included successful spells at Celtic and Liverpool, and he remains Scotland’s most‑capped player with 102 appearances.
After announcing in June that he was undergoing treatment for cancer, Dalglish’s legacy continued to inspire, highlighted by his managerial triumphs that saw Liverpool win three league titles and Blackburn Rovers secure the Premier League crown. Former England international Karen Carney also received a merit award, acknowledging her impact on the women’s game. Carney earned 144 caps for England and was part of the Lionesses squad that finished third at the 2015 World Cup.
Rising through Birmingham’s youth system, she later helped Arsenal achieve a historic quadruple in 2007 and added a league and FA Cup double with Chelsea in 2018, underscoring her status as one of the most decorated English female players. These accolades, announced during the PFA awards ceremony, highlight a season of remarkable individual performances and collective achievements across both the men’s and women’s games in England. The recognitions not only celebrate statistical milestones, such as Fernandes’ assist record and Shaw’s goal‑scoring feats, but also honour the dedication, resilience and influence of players at every level of the football pyramid. The ceremony serves as a reminder of the sport’s capacity to inspire, uniting professionals, fans and aspiring talents alike.