Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been crowned the 2026 Professional Footballers’ Association Players’ Player of the Year after an outstanding 2025/26 campaign.
The Portuguese midfielder received the prestigious award at the 53rd PFA Awards ceremony held at the Manchester Opera House in the United Kingdom on Tuesday.
Fernandes emerged ahead of five other shortlisted players after being voted the best performer of the season by his fellow professional footballers.
His competition included Manchester City forwards Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki, alongside Arsenal trio Declan Rice, David Raya and Gabriel Magalhães.
The award adds to a remarkable individual campaign for Fernandes, who played a major role in Manchester United’s third-place Premier League finish and their qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
The 31-year-old also enjoyed a record-setting season, registering 21 assists in the Premier League. His performances had previously earned him the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award and the Premier League Player of the Season honour.
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Haaland was also a strong contender after finishing the campaign as the Premier League’s Golden Boot winner for the third time, scoring 27 goals in 35 appearances for Manchester City.
His City teammate Cherki earned a place among the nominees following an impressive debut season in English football, while Arsenal’s Rice, Raya and Gabriel were recognised after helping the Gunners to the league title.
Fernandes’ victory carries added significance because the PFA award is decided by fellow players, rather than supporters, journalists or an independent judging panel.
The latest accolade further underlines Fernandes’ influence at Manchester United since his arrival at Old Trafford in January 2020, with the midfielder continuing to establish himself as one of the club’s most important figures.
The award also represents another major personal milestone for Fernandes as he enters a new season as Manchester United captain and prepares to lead the club back into Europe’s elite competition.