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Bruno Fernandes wins PFA Players' Player of the Year as Manchester City striker Bunny Shaw takes women's honour
Rohan Mehta | August 26, 2026 1:05 PM CST

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has been awarded the 2025-26 PFA Players' Player of the Year after setting a new Premier League assists record. On the same night, Manchester City forward Bunny Shaw claimed the women's award for the second time, while Nico O'Reilly collected the Young Player prize in a ceremony that recognised the season's standout performers.

Fernandes delivered a record-setting campaign for Manchester United.

The Portuguese midfielder was named the men's PFA Players' Player of the Year after a superb individual season for Manchester United.

He established a new all-time Premier League assists record by creating 21 goals, moving past Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. He also found the net nine times as Manchester United finished third and booked their return to the Champions League under manager Michael Carrick.

As a result, Fernandes became the first Manchester United player since Wayne Rooney in 2009-10 to receive the prestigious award. It adds to the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year honour he had already won in May.

Fernandes spoke of his pride at being recognised by fellow players from across the league. Fernandes said: "It is obviously a very proud moment. They are the ones you go on the pitch against and it's probably not easy to vote for someone you play against, so it is a very good moment."

In the women's game, Shaw won the PFA Women's Player of the Year award for the second time. She earned the trophy after scoring 21 goals, securing a third consecutive Golden Boot and helping Manchester City win her first Women's Super League title.

The evening also brought recognition for rising stars and long-serving figures in the sport.

O'Reilly was chosen as the Men's PFA Young Player of the Year after an excellent season in which he also helped England claim World Cup bronze. O'Reilly said: "I had a great season. I'm very proud of the season I had. I won two trophies with my club and managed to play at the World Cup with my country. I'm over the moon how it turned out."

Meanwhile, Arsenal youngster Olivia Smith was named the women's PFA Young Player of the Year for the second season in a row. In addition, Sir Kenny Dalglish and Karen Carney were presented with the PFA merit awards in recognition of their outstanding lifetime contributions to football.

Manchester United now head into a demanding run of fixtures, with Fernandes set to lead the side on their much-awaited return to the Champions League. Manchester City and Shaw, meanwhile, will turn their attention to defending their Women's Super League title when the new season begins.


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