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Who Are the Favorites to Win the Premier League Player of the Season Award?
The race for the Premier League Player of the Season award is more open than ever. Bruno Fernandes, Declan Rice, and Erling Haaland are leading the battle for one of English football’s most prestigious individual honors.
The 2025-26 Premier League season has produced one of the most exciting races in recent years, not only in the title battle but also in the fight for the league’s top individual award. Unlike previous campaigns with a clear frontrunner, several players have emerged as serious contenders thanks to their outstanding performances throughout the season.
Among the strongest candidates are stars from Manchester United, Arsenal, and Manchester City, clubs that have played a major role during the campaign.
Bruno Fernandes Leads the Conversation
The player currently viewed as the frontrunner is Bruno Fernandes. The Manchester United captain delivered a remarkable season and posted historic numbers in England. The Portuguese midfielder registered 21 assists and nine goals while becoming the creative engine behind United’s attack.
The arrival of Michael Carrick helped elevate Fernandes’ performances even further, allowing him to operate in a more advanced role. He not only led the league in chance creation, but also established himself as one of the Premier League’s most influential players.
The biggest obstacle for Fernandes could be Manchester United’s collective performance, as the award has historically favored players from title-winning teams.
Arsenal and Manchester City Have Strong Candidates Too
For Arsenal, the standout contender is Declan Rice. The English midfielder became the heartbeat of Mikel Arteta’s side and played a crucial role both defensively and offensively throughout the campaign.
Alongside Rice, Gabriel Magalhães also impressed as the leader of one of the strongest defensive units in the league. The Brazilian center-back stood out not only for his defending, but also for his impact during set pieces.
Meanwhile, Manchester City’s main candidate remains Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker once again dominated the scoring charts and proved essential in keeping City in the title race until the final weeks of the season.
Another player who gained momentum during the second half of the campaign was Antoine Semenyo, who shined first with Bournemouth before continuing his strong form after joining City in January.
