Bruno Fernandes Wins FWA Footballer of the Year 2026, Becoming First Man United Player Since Wayne Rooney to Claim Award

Bruno Fernandes has been named the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Men’s Footballer of the Year for the 2025-26 season, becoming the first Manchester United player to receive the award since Wayne Rooney won it in 2010. The announcement was confirmed on 8 May 2026.

The 31-year-old Portuguese midfielder produced one of the standout individual campaigns in the Premier League this season, contributing 8 goals and 19 assists across 34 appearances in all competitions. His performances helped lift United from the lower reaches of the table into contention for UEFA Champions League qualification, with the club on course to finish third in the Premier League.

Fernandes beat strong competition to claim the accolade. Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland — two of the division’s most prominent figures this season — were among those considered for the award but ultimately finished behind the United skipper in the voting.

The recognition caps what has been a significant personal turnaround for Fernandes, whose place at Old Trafford had appeared uncertain in previous campaigns. His output and leadership under interim manager Michael Carrick have since reinforced his standing as one of the club’s most influential figures. Despite United’s inability to secure silverware this season, the prospect of Champions League football next term represents a meaningful step forward.

Fernandes joined United from Sporting CP in January 2020 in a deal worth £67.7 million and reached the milestone of 300 appearances for the club earlier this season. His current contract runs until 2027, with the option of a further year, and is reported to include a release clause of approximately £70 million. According to reports, his performances this season are expected to prompt United’s board to open discussions over a contract extension in the near future.

The FWA Footballer of the Year award, one of English football’s oldest individual honours, is voted for by members of the Football Writers’ Association and has been presented annually since 1948. Past winners include Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo, and more recently Mohamed Salah, who has claimed the award on multiple occasions. Rooney remains the last United player to have won it prior to Fernandes.

With Champions League football secured for next season and Fernandes now recognised as the best player in England’s top flight by the football writing community, attention at Old Trafford will turn to the summer transfer window and decisions around the club’s permanent managerial appointment, with Carrick currently overseeing the team on an interim basis.