Bruno Fernandes and Khadija Shaw Win PFA Player of the Year Awards

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes and Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw have been named the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Players of the Year for the 2025-26 season. Fernandes received the men’s award, while Shaw secured the women’s prize for the second time in her career.

Fernandes enjoyed an exceptional Premier League campaign, setting a new record for assists by providing 21 goals. This achievement allowed him to surpass previous record holders Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne, highlighting his creative influence and importance to Manchester United’s attacking play. On the women’s side, Shaw’s consistent high-level performances for Manchester City Women earned her this prestigious recognition again, reinforcing her status as one of the leading figures in the women’s game.

The PFA awards are particularly significant as they are voted for by fellow professional players, reflecting the respect Fernandes and Shaw command among their peers. In addition to these honors, the young player awards went to Manchester United’s Nico O’Reilly and Manchester City’s Olivia Smith, showcasing the emerging talents from both clubs.

Fernandes’ record-breaking assist tally underlines his role as a key creative force for Manchester United, contributing significantly to their offensive threat as the club aims to challenge for major honors in the Premier League and Europe. Meanwhile, Shaw’s continued excellence helps maintain Manchester City Women’s position as one of the dominant teams in women’s football, both domestically and continentally.

Looking ahead, Fernandes will be pivotal for Manchester United as they prepare for the upcoming season, hoping to build on their recent progress. Similarly, Shaw and Manchester City Women aim to sustain their winning momentum across all competitions. The recognition from the PFA awards is expected to boost both players’ confidence as they enter another demanding campaign.

For more details, visit the original report on The Guardian.