By Dorcas Francis Koji
Manchester City midfielder Nico O’Reilly has been crowned the Professional Footballers’ Association Young Player of the Year for the 2025/26 season.
The 21-year-old was announced as the winner during the 53rd PFA Awards ceremony in Manchester on Tuesday, beating five other nominees after fellow professional footballers voted for their preferred candidate.
O’Reilly faced competition from Manchester City teammate Rayan Cherki, Arsenal youngster Max Dowman, Bournemouth forward Junior Kroupi, Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha.
The award caps an impressive breakthrough campaign for O’Reilly, who became an increasingly important figure in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City squad.
The England international made 53 appearances across all competitions, contributing directly to 15 goals while demonstrating his versatility by operating both in midfield and at left-back.
His performances had already earned him the Premier League Young Player of the Season award, further underlining his emergence as one of the brightest young talents in English football.
O’Reilly also played a decisive role in Manchester City’s domestic campaign, most notably in the Carabao Cup final, where he scored both goals in a 2-0 victory over Arsenal.
His ability to influence games from different positions, combined with his attacking contribution and defensive work, made him one of the standout young performers of the season.
The PFA Young Player of the Year award is particularly significant because it is decided by professional footballers themselves, with players across the game recognising the outstanding performers among their peers.
O’Reilly’s success also adds to Manchester City’s impressive history in the award, with previous winners from the club including Leroy Sané, Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden.
After establishing himself as a key member of Guardiola’s squad at just 21, O’Reilly will now look to build on his breakthrough season and cement his place among the leading young players in the Premier League.
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