Bruno Fernandes Beats Declan Rice to Win 2026 PFA Players’ Player of the Year
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been named the 2026 Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Players’ Player of the Year.
Fernandes emerged ahead of Arsenal trio Declan Rice, David Raya and Gabriel Magalhães, as well as Manchester City pair Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki, to claim the prestigious award.
The Portugal international was rewarded for his outstanding performances during the 2025/26 season, in which he played a key role in Manchester United’s resurgence.
Fernandes registered 21 assists in the Premier League, setting a new record for assists in a single season. He also scored nine goals as United finished third in the league.
The 31-year-old’s influence was particularly important as United recovered from a difficult start to the campaign and secured a return to the Champions League.
The PFA award is voted for by fellow professional footballers, making Fernandes’ victory a significant recognition from his peers.
The honour adds to a remarkable individual season for the Manchester United captain, who had already been named the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season.
Fernandes becomes only the second Portuguese player to win the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award, after Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
