Bruno Fernandes Becomes 2nd Portuguese After Cristiano Ronaldo to Win PFA Player of the Year
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been named the PFA Players' Player of the Year for the 2025-26 season, becoming only the second Portuguese player after Cristiano Ronaldo to receive the prestigious award.
Manchester United's influential captain, Bruno Fernandes, has been crowned the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Players' Player of the Year for the 2025-26 season. The esteemed award was presented at the 53rd annual PFA Awards ceremony held at the Manchester Opera House in Manchester, United Kingdom, on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Fernandes' triumph marks a significant milestone, as he becomes only the second Portuguese player to win the accolade, following in the footsteps of football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who achieved the feat consecutively for the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons. English Premier League Points Table 2026–27 Updated: Arsenal, Brentford Hot on Their Heels.
Bruno Fernandes Second Only To Cristiano Ronaldo
Bruno Fernandes is the PFA Players’ Player of the Year 🏆
Voted for by the players. pic.twitter.com/CPkxcnVNVY
— PFA (@PFA) August 25, 2026
The 31-year-old midfielder enjoyed an extraordinary individual season, delivering a Premier League record of 21 assists. This remarkable creative output, coupled with his nine goals, was instrumental in guiding Manchester United to a third-place finish in the English top flight, securing their return to the UEFA Champions League after a three-year absence.
A Season of Records and Recognition
Fernandes' stellar performances throughout the 2025-26 campaign saw him earn widespread recognition from his peers, who cast their votes for the PFA award. His consistent brilliance also led him to win the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year and the Premier League's Player of the Season awards, completing a clean sweep of major individual honours for the season.
The competition for the PFA Players' Player of the Year was fierce, with Fernandes overcoming a strong shortlist of contenders. These included Manchester City duo Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki, alongside Arsenal's trio of Declan Rice, David Raya, and Gabriel Magalhães. Fernandes' victory also means a Manchester United player has won the award for the 12th time, more than any other club.
Man United's Resurgence and Manager's Trust
Under the guidance of manager Michael Carrick, Manchester United experienced a resurgence, particularly in the latter half of the season. Fernandes, as captain, thrived in a system that allowed the attacking players more freedom, further cementing his status as one of the club's most influential figures since his arrival in January 2020. His current contract with the club is set to expire in June 2027, with talks of an extension likely to commence soon. Erling Haaland Unveils Fresh Short-Hair Look Ahead of Manchester City's Premier League 2026-27 Season Opener.
Beyond the senior award, Manchester City's versatile young talent, Nico O'Reilly, was named the PFA Young Player of the Year. In the women's game, Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw secured the Women's PFA Player of the Year award for the second time, having also won it for the 2023-24 season, after topping the Women's Super League scoring charts with 21 goals.
Bruno Fernandes' remarkable achievement underscores a truly exceptional season, not just for himself but for Manchester United, as they look to build on their renewed European presence. His record-breaking creativity and leadership have firmly established him as a modern Old Trafford legend.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 26, 2026 11:54 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
