The race for the 2025-26 PFA Player of the Year award has ignited excitement across English football. Six standout performers headline a fiercely competitive shortlist.
Arsenal trio Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhaes, and David Raya earned nominations after a historic campaign. Their contributions powered the club to a long-awaited Premier League title.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes continues to gain recognition for his outstanding season. The Portuguese midfielder recently secured the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) award.
That accolade often signals the likely winner of the PFA prize. Fernandes strengthened his case with a record-breaking 21 Premier League assists.
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki also make the shortlist. Both players delivered exceptional performances throughout the season.
Haaland dominated once again, finishing as the league’s top scorer with 27 goals. Cherki, meanwhile, impressed in his debut Premier League campaign.
Former winner Mohamed Salah claimed last year’s prize after a remarkable scoring season. His success set a high benchmark for this year’s contenders.
Fernandes leads PFA race as Arsenal trio and Haaland intensify competition for prestigious award
The winner will be announced at the 53rd annual PFA Awards ceremony in Manchester. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25.
Attention also turns to the Young Player of the Year category. Several emerging stars have earned recognition for their breakthrough performances.
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Cherki appears again among the young nominees alongside Nico O’Reilly. The latter recently won the Premier League Young Player of the Season award.
Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo also features prominently after an impressive campaign. His performances have solidified his reputation as a rising midfield talent.
Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi joins the list following an excellent season. He scored 13 goals in 33 appearances, showcasing his attacking potential.
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Additionally, Max Dowman and Rio Ngumoha complete the shortlist with consistent youth-level performances. Both players have represented England at under-19 level.
Ultimately, the awards promise a celebration of excellence across generations as established stars and rising talents will share the spotlight on football’s grand stage.
