Bruno Fernandes Ends Man City-Liverpool Duopoly to Win PFA Player of the Year, Bunny Shaw Claims Women’s Prize Again
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been crowned the men’s PFA Players’ Player of the Year for the 2025/26 season, becoming the first United player to win the prestigious honour since Wayne Rooney in 2009/10, as Manchester City striker Khadija “Bunny” Shaw claimed the women’s award for the second time in her career.
Fernandes secured the accolade after an outstanding individual campaign in which he broke the all-time record for Premier League assists, setting up 21 goals to surpass the previous marks held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. The Portuguese playmaker also contributed nine goals of his own as United overcame a difficult start to the season to finish third in the Premier League under manager Michael Carrick, securing a return to the Champions League in the process. His win breaks a run of eight consecutive seasons in which the award had gone to a player from either Manchester City or Liverpool.
Reacting to the honour, Fernandes said the recognition carried special meaning given that it came from a vote among his fellow professionals, the very players he competes against on the pitch each weekend. He described the award as a proud and grateful moment, noting the added significance of being chosen by opponents rather than pundits or supporters.
In the women’s game, Shaw claimed the PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year award for the second time in her career after another prolific campaign, scoring 21 goals to secure a third consecutive Golden Boot and help Manchester City win the Women’s Super League title. Her latest triumph adds to a growing list of individual honours recognising her sustained goal-scoring form in English football’s top flight.
Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly was named the men’s PFA Young Player of the Year following a breakout campaign that included helping England secure bronze at the World Cup. Meanwhile, Arsenal forward Olivia Smith retained the Women’s PFA Young Player of the Year award for a second consecutive year, having completed a world-record move to Arsenal that made her the first £1 million player in the history of the women’s game. Smith settled quickly into life at her new club, scoring on her debut and contributing eight goals across all competitions during the season.
The PFA Premier League Team of the Year was dominated by champions Arsenal, who had five representatives selected in David Raya, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber, and Declan Rice. Manchester City followed closely with four selections, including Nico O’Reilly, Rayan Cherki, Erling Haaland, and Antoine Semenyo, while Fernandes and Brentford striker Igor Thiago completed the composite side. In the women’s game, the PFA WSL Team of the Year featured three players from title-winning Manchester City, including Shaw alongside teammates recognised for their contributions to the club’s triumphant campaign.
The evening also honoured contributions to the wider game, with Sir Kenny Dalglish and Karen Carney both receiving PFA merit awards in recognition of their careers and impact on football. Dalglish, who recently disclosed he is undergoing treatment for cancer, was celebrated for a career that spanned playing spells at Celtic and Liverpool and a decorated managerial career, while Carney was recognised for her achievements as an England international and domestic trophy winner across multiple clubs.
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