Man City’s Nico O’Reilly joins Bruno in end-season awards winners
By Luke Oluoch, May 23, 2026Manchester City’s young defender, Nico O’Reilly, has been named the Premier League Young Player of the Season for the 2025/26 campaign following an outstanding run under Pep Guardiola.
The 21-year-old left-back has been among the division’s most exciting talents this season with the Sky Blues, notching a remarkable nine goals and six assists in 46 appearances across all competitions.
To claim the award, O’Reilly beat stiff competition from teammate Rayan Cherki, Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, West Ham’s Matheus Fernandes, and the AFC Bournemouth duo of Eli Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott.
Beyond his league consistency, O’Reilly proved to be a clutch performer in big games. He single-handedly guided City to a Carabao Cup triumph over Arsenal, scoring a decisive brace to sink the Gunners.
His exceptional rise was also recognised at the annual Academy Night at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, where he was crowned the Premier League’s top academy graduate.
World Cup call-up
The youngster was also among the players handed a call-up by Thomas Tuchel for the upcoming summer World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. He joined his teammates, John Stones and Marc Guehi, among the City players who will represent the Three Lions in the global tournament.
Meanwhile, Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes was named the overall Premier League Player of the Season.
The Portuguese playmaker enjoyed a historic campaign, scoring eight goals and racking up 20 assists, equalling the single-season assist record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
Fernandes took home the ultimate prize ahead of a strong shortlist that included Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White and the Arsenal trio of Declan Rice, David Raya, and Gabriel Magalhães.
His incredible creative output was instrumental in helping Manchester United secure a third-place finish in the Premier League, guaranteeing Champions League football for next season.