Fernandes and Shaw win PFA player of the year awards

What the report says

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes and Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw have been named the Professional Footballers’ Association’s men’s and women’s player of the year, according to BBC Sport Football. The awards recognise performances in the 2025-26 season and come after both players had already been voted Football Writers’ Association footballers of the year.

Fernandes becomes the first Manchester United player to win the men’s award since Wayne Rooney in 2010. BBC Sport said the Portuguese midfielder set a Premier League record with 21 assists in a single season, while also finishing with nine league goals and helping United secure Champions League qualification. He was chosen ahead of several Arsenal and Manchester City players.

Shaw collected the women’s prize for a second time in three seasons after a standout campaign for Manchester City. The Jamaica international scored 21 goals in 22 WSL appearances, finished as the league’s top scorer for a third straight season and helped City win the title. She also scored in the FA Cup final, underlining her influence in major matches.

BBC Sport also reported the PFA young player awards went to City defender Nico O’Reilly and Arsenal forward Olivia Smith. The article noted that Arsenal and Manchester City heavily featured in the season’s teams of the year, reflecting both clubs’ strong league campaigns.