Fernandes Ends Manchester United’s 16-Year Wait to Win PFA Player of the Year

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has been named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year, becoming the club’s first winner of the prestigious award since Wayne Rooney in 2010.

Fernandes was rewarded for an outstanding 2025-26 Premier League campaign in which he produced remarkable numbers in front of goal and in creating chances for his teammates.

The Portuguese midfielder provided 21 assists in the Premier League, setting a new record for the most assists in a single league season. He also scored nine goals as United recovered from a difficult start to finish third and secure Champions League qualification.

Across all competitions last season, Fernandes registered 22 assists and scored nine goals in 37 appearances.

He beat competition from Gabriel Magalhaes, David Raya, Declan Rice, Ryan Cherki and Erling Haaland to claim the PFA men's award.

Fernandes had already been named the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year in May, meaning he has now won both of England's major individual football awards.

The achievement also makes Fernandes only the second Portuguese player to win the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award after Cristiano Ronaldo, who won it in 2007 and 2008.

Speaking after receiving the award, Fernandes said he was extremely proud, particularly because the winner is selected by fellow professional footballers.

Khadija Shaw Wins Women’s Award

Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw won the PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year award after another impressive season.

Shaw helped Manchester City win the Women's Super League title and finished the campaign as the league's top scorer with 21 goals, securing the Golden Boot for a third consecutive season.

It was her second PFA Players’ Player of the Year award in the last three seasons.

Nico O’Reilly Named Young Player of the Year

Manchester City's Nico O’Reilly won the PFA Men’s Young Player of the Year award.

The defender made 34 league appearances last season, contributing to eight goals and helping City keep nine clean sheets.

Arsenal forward Olivia Smith retained the PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year award, becoming only the second player after Lauren Hemp to win the prize more than once.

Manchester City and Arsenal also dominated the PFA Men’s Team of the Year, with four City players and five Arsenal players included in the XI. Fernandes and Brentford striker Igor Thiago completed the lineup.