PFA Awards: Man Utd’s Bruno Fernandes Beats Rice to Player of the Year

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been named the 2026 PFA Players’ Player of the Year, beating Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and four other nominees to the prestigious award.

The Portuguese midfielder received the honour at the 53rd PFA Awards ceremony in Manchester on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, after being voted the outstanding player of the 2025/26 season by his fellow professionals. (The PFA) 

Bruno Fernandes Wins PFA Player of the Year

Fernandes was up against Declan Rice, David Raya and Gabriel Magalhães of Arsenal, as well as Manchester City duo Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki. (The PFA) 

The award caps an outstanding campaign for the Manchester United captain. Fernandes registered a Premier League-record 21 assists during the 2025/26 season and helped United finish third in the Premier League and secure Champions League qualification. (Reuters) 

Fernandes Completes Individual Awards Sweep

The PFA award is Fernandes’ latest major individual honour after he was previously named:

• Premier League Player of the Season
• Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year
• PFA Players’ Player of the Year

The PFA award is particularly significant because the winner is selected by fellow professional footballers. (Arise News) 

Rice Misses Out Despite Outstanding Season

Arsenal’s Declan Rice was one of Fernandes’ biggest challengers after playing a key role in Arsenal’s Premier League title-winning campaign.

Rice was also selected alongside Fernandes in the 2026 PFA Premier League Team of the Year, with both midfielders making the final XI chosen by their fellow players. (The PFA) 

PFA Players’ Player of the Year Nominees

The final six nominees were:

1. Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United 🏆
2. Declan Rice – Arsenal
3. David Raya – Arsenal
4. Gabriel Magalhães – Arsenal
5. Erling Haaland – Manchester City
6. Rayan Cherki – Manchester City

The PFA confirmed Fernandes as the eventual winner on August 25. (The PFA)