PFA Awards 2026: Bruno Fernandes leads star-studded winners’ list
Bruno Fernandes headlined the 2026 PFA Awards after a standout Manchester United campaign, while Nico O’Reilly, Olivia Smith and other players across England’s football pyramid collected major honours.
The 2026 Professional Footballers’ Association Awards have celebrated the leading performers from the 2025/26 season, with Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes emerging as one of the biggest winners at the ceremony in Manchester.
The annual awards, voted for by fellow professional footballers, recognised outstanding campaigns across the Premier League, Championship, League One, League Two, Women’s Super League and WSL 2.
The PFA had earlier confirmed that the winners would be decided by players, underlining the significance attached to the honours within the professional game.
Bruno Fernandes – PFA Players’ Player of the Year
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes claimed the headline men’s award after producing an outstanding individual campaign.
The Portugal international recorded 21 Premier League assists during the season, setting a new single-season record, while also scoring nine goals.
His recognition capped a remarkable personal campaign and made him the first Manchester United player to win the award since Wayne Rooney in 2010.
Fernandes finished ahead of a strong shortlist that included Arsenal trio David Raya, Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhães, alongside Manchester City pair Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki.
Bunny Shaw – PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year
Manchester City forward Bunny Shaw was named the PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year after another outstanding campaign. The Jamaica international finished ahead of Lauren James, Alessia Russo, Jess Park, Yui Hasegawa and Kirsty Hanson to claim the prestigious honour.
Shaw’s recognition followed a prolific season in which she helped Manchester City secure the Women’s Super League title and FA Cup, while her goalscoring form also earned her another WSL Golden Boot. Her latest award further underlines her status as one of the leading forwards in English women’s football.
Nico O’Reilly – Men’s Young Player of the Year
Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly was rewarded for his breakthrough season by collecting the Men’s PFA Young Player of the Year prize.
He overcame competition from teammate Rayan Cherki, Arsenal teenager Max Dowman, Bournemouth’s Junior Kroupi, Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo and Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha.
O’Reilly was also selected in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, highlighting the extent of his influence during the campaign.
Olivia Smith – Women’s Young Player of the Year
Arsenal midfielder Olivia Smith retained the Women’s PFA Young Player of the Year award, becoming a two-time winner. She was selected ahead of Laura Blindkilde Brown, Veerle Buurman, Freya Godfrey, Tōko Koga and Alyssa Thompson.
Smith’s achievement further underlined her growing reputation after another impressive season at Arsenal.
Hayden Hackney – Championship Player of the Year
Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney took the Championship’s top individual award after standing out during the 2025/26 campaign. He beat Coventry City’s Matt Grimes, Jack Rudoni and Carl Rushworth, alongside Swansea City’s Žan Vipotnik and Coventry forward Haji Wright.
Dom Ballard – League One Player of the Year
Leyton Orient forward Dom Ballard was named League One Players’ Player of the Year after an impressive campaign. He finished ahead of Amario Cozier-Duberry, David McGoldrick, Jack Moylan, Oliver Norwood and Kyle Wootton.
Aaron Drinan – League Two Player of the Year
Swindon Town striker Aaron Drinan claimed the League Two award, beating Sammy Braybrooke, Michael Cheek, Callum Paterson, Mitch Pinnock and Omar Sowunmi.
Lily Crosthwaite – WSL 2 Player of the Year
Birmingham City’s Lily Crosthwaite was recognised as the standout player in WSL 2 after winning the division’s Players’ Player of the Year award. She emerged ahead of Ellie Brazil, Abbie Larkin, Emily Syme, Ashleigh Weerden and Sophie Whitehouse.
Karen Carney and Kenny Dalglish Honoured
Former England international Karen Carney and Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish also received PFA Merit Awards for their contributions to English football. Dalglish was recognised for an extraordinary career as both player and manager, while Carney was honoured for her achievements on the pitch and continued influence on women’s football.
