PFA Player of the Year 2026: Bruno Fernandes, Erling Haaland and Three Arsenal Stars Among Six Nominees

The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has unveiled its shortlist for the 2026 Men’s Players’ Player of the Year award, with six nominees drawn from three clubs — Arsenal, Manchester United, and Manchester City. The winners will be revealed at the 53rd annual PFA Awards Ceremony in Manchester on Tuesday, 25 August.

Arsenal account for three of the six nominations, with midfielder Declan Rice, defender Gabriel, and goalkeeper David Raya all recognised for their contributions to the club’s first Premier League title in 22 years. Rice, Gabriel, and Raya formed a central part of the defensive and midfield structure that powered Arsenal to the championship, ending one of English football’s longest waits for a top-flight crown.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is among the contenders despite his club finishing third in the league. The Portuguese midfielder had already claimed the Football Writers’ Association’s Men’s Footballer of the Year title ahead of this announcement. Fernandes set a new Premier League record during the 2025/26 campaign, registering 21 assists — a total that underpinned United’s push into the top three.

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland is also on the shortlist after finishing the season as the division’s top scorer, netting 27 goals to claim the Golden Boot. The Norwegian striker has been a consistent presence at the summit of the Premier League scoring charts since arriving in England in 2022. Joining him from the City squad is French midfielder Rayan Cherki, who earned his nomination on the back of a standout debut season in English football, contributing four goals and 12 assists.

The award is voted for by professional players themselves, lending particular weight to the recognition. Last season’s winner was Mohamed Salah, then of Liverpool, who scored 29 goals as the Merseyside club claimed the Premier League title. Salah has since departed Liverpool, making this edition of the award a contest without a defending champion in the league.

The six nominees represent a cross-section of the season’s standout performers across different positions and roles. With Arsenal’s title-winning contingent holding three spots on the shortlist, there is a strong case for at least one Gunner to take the prize, though Fernandes’ record-breaking assist tally and Haaland’s prolific goal return ensure the vote is unlikely to be straightforward. The PFA ceremony in August will mark the conclusion of the 2025/26 domestic awards season.