By Dorcas Francis Koji
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been named the Professional Footballers’ Association Players’ Player of the Year for the 2025/26 season.
The Portuguese midfielder received the prestigious award at the 53rd annual PFA Awards ceremony held at the Manchester Opera House in the United Kingdom on Tuesday.
Fernandes was voted the outstanding player of the season by his fellow professionals, beating five other nominees to claim the men’s top prize.
The shortlist featured Manchester City duo Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki, alongside Arsenal trio Declan Rice, David Raya and Gabriel Magalhães.
Fernandes’ victory caps a remarkable individual campaign in which he played a central role in Manchester United’s resurgence.
The 31-year-old was instrumental in helping United secure a third place finish in the Premier League, a result that also secured the club’s return to the UEFA Champions League.
His creativity was particularly impressive throughout the campaign, with Fernandes providing a remarkable 21 assists in the Premier League.
The achievement added to a growing collection of individual honours for the United captain. He had previously been recognised as the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year and also won the Premier League Player of the Season award.
Fernandes’ latest recognition is especially significant because the PFA Players’ Player of the Year is decided by professional footballers themselves, meaning the award represents recognition from his peers across the game.
Haaland was among the strongest contenders after another prolific campaign with Manchester City. The Norwegian striker claimed his third Premier League Golden Boot, scoring 27 goals in 35 league appearances.
His City teammate Cherki was also rewarded with a place on the shortlist following an impressive first season in English football.
Arsenal’s title-winning campaign earned three of their players recognition, with Rice, Raya and Gabriel all making the final six.
For Fernandes, the award adds another major milestone to his Manchester United career. Since arriving at Old Trafford in January 2020, he has established himself as one of the club’s most influential players and eventually took over the captaincy.
His 2025/26 campaign has now been capped by the highest individual honour awarded by his fellow professionals, further cementing his status as one of the Premier League’s leading players.
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