Bruno Fernandes named 2025–26 Premier League Player of the Season

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been crowned the Premier League Player of the Season after delivering one of the finest individual campaigns in recent English football history.

The Portuguese midfielder played a decisive role in Manchester United’s return to the UEFA Champions League, combining leadership, creativity, and consistency throughout an outstanding season at Old Trafford.

Fernandes finished the league campaign with eight goals and 20 assists, equalling the Premier League record for most assists in a single season previously held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.

His remarkable creative output made him the driving force behind United’s attacking success and confirmed his importance as the heartbeat of Erik ten Hag’s side.

The award marks the first time Fernandes has received the Premier League’s top individual honour since arriving in England from Sporting CP in 2020.

He also becomes the first Manchester United player in over a decade to win the award, following Nemanja Matić, who achieved the feat during the 2010/11 campaign.

Fernandes now joins an elite group of United legends to have won the accolade, including Peter Schmeichel, Dwight Yorke, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Wayne Rooney.

In addition to the Player of the Season award, Fernandes had already secured the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year honour, further highlighting the magnitude of his achievements this season.

His performances consistently inspired United during crucial moments, especially in high-pressure fixtures where his leadership qualities stood out.

Fernandes overcame strong competition to claim the award. Arsenal trio David Raya, Gabriel Magalhães, and Declan Rice were among the leading contenders after helping Arsenal challenge for the title.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, who is on course for another Golden Boot, also missed out alongside Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.

Meanwhile, Nico O'Reilly of Manchester City won the Premier League Young Player of the Season award after an impressive breakthrough year under Pep Guardiola.

The versatile 21-year-old made 34 league appearances, scoring five goals and providing three assists while excelling in midfield and left-back roles.

Fernandes’ historic campaign will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the defining individual performances of the modern Premier League era, cementing his status among Manchester United’s great captains and one of the world’s elite midfielders.