Bruno Fernandes Wins PFA Players’ Player of the Year

Bruno Fernandes claims PFA Players’ Player of the Year award for 2025/26 season, while Bunny Shaw earns the women’s accolade.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been recognized as the men’s PFA Players’ Player of the Year for the 2025/26 season, with the women’s award going to Bunny Shaw of Manchester City for the second consecutive time.

Fernandes, who made an impressive impact this season, broke the record for all-time assists in the Premier League, setting up 21 goals throughout the campaign, surpassing legends like Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. In addition to his assists, he netted nine goals himself, helping United secure a third-place finish in the Premier League and a return to the Champions League under manager Michael Carrick.

Expressing his joy at receiving the award from his peers, Fernandes remarked, “It is obviously a very proud moment. They are the ones you go on the pitch against and it’s probably not easy to vote for someone you play against, so it is a very good moment.” This accolade marks the first for United since Wayne Rooney won it for the 2009/10 season, and it adds to Fernandes’ earlier recognition as the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year in May.

Meanwhile, Bunny Shaw continued her remarkable form by winning the PFA Women’s Player of the Year award for the second time. This season, she excelled with 21 goals, claiming her third consecutive Golden Boot, which contributed to her team’s victory in the Women’s Super League.

In other categories, Arsenal’s Olivia Smith earned the women’s PFA Young Player of the Year for a second straight year, having been instrumental in her team’s success. Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly was named the men’s PFA Young Player of the Year; the talented 21-year-old played a pivotal role in helping England secure bronze at the World Cup this year.

The PFA Team of the Year featured notable players, including five from league champions Arsenal, and several players from Manchester City, reflecting their strong performances throughout the season.

In the English Football League, former Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackey claimed the Championship PFA Players’ Player of the Year award after joining Everton in a £24m transfer. Meanwhile, Dom Ballard and Aaron Drinan won the awards in League One and League Two, respectively.

Sir Kenny Dalglish and Karen Carney were honored with PFA merit awards, acknowledging their lasting contributions to football. Dalglish, a decorated player and manager, is hailed as Scotland’s most capped player, while Carney has made her mark with the England national team.