Bruno Fernandes wins 2026 PFA Players’ Player of the Year Award ahead of Arsenal’s Declan Rice
By Joel Masibo, August 25, 2026Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been crowned the 2026 PFA Men’s Players’ Player of the Year, beating a strong field that included Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice.
The Portuguese midfielder received the prestigious honour at the PFA Awards ceremony in Manchester on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, after being recognised by his fellow professional footballers for his outstanding performances during the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
The award is particularly significant because the winner is determined through voting by professional players, making it one of the most respected individual accolades in English football.
Fernandes was named alongside Rice, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and City midfielder Rayan Cherki on the final six-player shortlist.
Winning this, being voted by the ones that every week go out on the pitch against me, is something that makes me very proud,” said Bruno.
“Because they’ve been there, they’re playing against me, they’ve seen what I’m capable of doing, and for them to vote for me is something I’m very grateful for.
“It’s always nice to see the name of the club in these kinds of awards, and obviously the players stand out with the club behind them. That’s very important for us.
“I hope that from now on we can have even more players from our club having this kind of recognition, because it’s also important and means that we’re doing something very good.
“Individually, you want to have these accolades to show that your game is helping the team and that there are a lot of good things you’ve been doing to help them.” He said.
The Manchester United captain ultimately emerged ahead of his rivals following a remarkable individual campaign in which he established himself as one of the Premier League’s most influential creative players.
A major factor behind Fernandes’ success was his record-breaking 21 assists in the Premier League during the 2025/26 season. His tally set a new single-season league record and underlined his importance to United’s attacking play.
Fernandes’ individual brilliance stood out even as Manchester United finished third in the Premier League. His performances also earned him the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award and the Premier League Player of the Season prize.
The PFA recognition therefore adds another major individual honour to what was already an exceptional campaign for the United skipper.
His victory also ends a long wait for Manchester United in the prestigious players’ award. Fernandes becomes the club’s first recipient since Wayne Rooney won the accolade in 2010.
For Rice, the result represents a near miss after another impressive campaign with Arsenal. The England international was among the leading contenders for the award, while his club also had three players in the final shortlist.
Fernandes’ victory, however, reflects the consistency, creativity and leadership he displayed throughout the season and further cements his status as one of the Premier League’s leading midfielders.
The latest individual accolade for Fernandes comes the Portuguese star was crowned the men’s Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association following an outstanding campaign with Manchester United.
The Portuguese playmaker registered eight goals and 21 assists in more than 34 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils this term. He secured 45 per cent of the votes cast by more than 900 FWA members. Fernandes edged out Declan Rice of Arsenal by 28 votes, while Erling Haaland from Manchester City finished third in the standings.