Bruno Fernandes wins the player of the 2025/26 season award

Bruno Fernandes has been named the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year for the 2025/26 season after an outstanding campaign with Manchester United.

The Portuguese midfielder beat competitors including Declan Rice and Erling Haaland in the voting, becoming the first Manchester United player to win the award since Wayne Rooney in 2010. Fernandes played a major role in United’s successful season, producing eight Premier League goals and 20 assists while helping the club secure a return to the UEFA Champions League.

Fernandes’ creativity, leadership, and consistency throughout the campaign made him one of the standout performers in English football. The 31-year-old also joined an elite list of Manchester United legends to win the prestigious award, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Roy Keane, and Eric Cantona.

Fernandes reportedly received 45 percent of the votes from football journalists across England, underlining his dominance during the season. The Portuguese has been exceptional for Manchester United since he completed his move from Sporting Lisbon in 2019.

The award was voted for by members of the Football Writers’ Association, is regarded as one of the most prestigious individual honours in English football.