Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was named the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Player of the Year, while Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw won the Women’s Player of the Year award for the second time on Tuesday, August 26, 2026.

Fernandes, the Portuguese international, broke the Premier League assists record during the 2025–26 season by setting up 21 goals, surpassing previous marks held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. He also scored nine goals as Manchester United overcame a poor start to finish third in the Premier League under manager Michael Carrick, securing a return to the Champions League. Earlier in May, Fernandes also won the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award.

Reflecting on the honor, Fernandes said, “They are the ones you go on the pitch against, and it’s probably not easy to vote for someone you play against, so it is a very good moment.”

On the women’s side, 21-year-old Khadija Shaw was recognized for scoring 21 goals, earning her a third straight Golden Boot and helping Manchester City secure their first Women’s Super League title in a decade. Shaw also scored twice in the League Cup final as City defeated Arsenal and was part of the squad that won the FA Cup last season.

“I’m very proud of the season I had,” said Shaw, an England international. “I won two trophies with my club and managed to play at the World Cup with my country.”

The awards highlighted the individual brilliance of both players amid contrasting fortunes for their teams during the season.

Sources

Al Jazeera