The Professional Footballers’ Association has named Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes and Manchester City forward Khadija “Bunny” Shaw as the 2026 winners of the Players’ Player of the Year awards in the men’s and women’s categories respectively.
The awards, held at the Manchester Opera House on Tuesday, celebrate the outstanding individual performances of professional footballers across England.
Unlike awards decided by journalists or fans, the PFA honours are voted for by fellow professional players, making the recognition particularly significant among those who compete against the winners.
Fernandes wins men’s Players’ Player of the Year
Fernandes claimed the men’s PFA Players’ Player of the Year award after another influential campaign for Manchester United.
The Portuguese midfielder’s leadership and consistent performances were central to United’s campaign, with his creativity, goals and ability to dictate play earning him recognition from his fellow professionals.
As Manchester United captain, Fernandes also continued to play a key role in leading the team on and off the pitch, ultimately securing the prestigious individual honour.
Shaw takes women’s top award
Manchester City forward Khadija “Bunny” Shaw was named the women’s Players’ Player of the Year following another impressive season in front of goal.
The Jamaican striker’s attacking quality, goalscoring ability and consistency helped her stand out among the leading performers in the women’s game.
Her victory means Shaw received the ultimate recognition from her fellow players, who voted her the outstanding female player of the season.
O’Reilly rewarded for breakthrough season
Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly won the men’s PFA Young Player of the Year award after a breakthrough campaign that established him as one of the division’s emerging talents.
His performances earned him a place among the league’s standout young players and also saw him named in the Premier League Team of the Year.
The award further underlined his rapid development and growing importance at Manchester City.
Smith claims women’s Young Player award
Arsenal’s Olivia Smith emerged as the women’s PFA Young Player of the Year after impressing during the season.
Her performances for Arsenal helped establish her as one of the rising talents in women’s football, earning her recognition from fellow professionals.
Hackney leads Championship honours
Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney was named Championship Player of the Year.
His performances in the middle of the pitch helped him stand out as one of the division’s most influential players, while his consistency also earned him a place in the Championship Team of the Year.
Ballard shines for Leyton Orient
Leyton Orient forward Dom Ballard won the League One Player of the Year award after an impressive campaign.
His attacking contributions and performances in the final third made him one of the division’s leading players and secured recognition from his fellow professionals.
Drinan takes League Two award
Swindon Town striker Aaron Drinan was named League Two Player of the Year after a productive season.
His goalscoring performances helped him emerge as the division’s leading individual performer and also earned him a place in the League Two Team of the Year.
Dalglish, Carney honoured
Former Liverpool manager Sir Kenny Dalglish and ex-England international Karen Carney OBE were also recognised at the ceremony with PFA Merit Awards.
The honours recognised their contributions to football and their lasting influence on the sport.
Full list of major PFA Awards winners
Men’s Players’ Player of the Year: Bruno Fernandes — Manchester United
Women’s Players’ Player of the Year: Khadija “Bunny” Shaw — Manchester City
Men’s Young Player of the Year: Nico O’Reilly — Manchester City
Women’s Young Player of the Year: Olivia Smith — Arsenal
Championship Player of the Year: Hayden Hackney — Middlesbrough
League One Player of the Year: Dom Ballard — Leyton Orient
League Two Player of the Year: Aaron Drinan — Swindon Town
PFA Merit Award: Sir Kenny Dalglish
PFA Merit Award: Karen Carney OBE
The PFA also unveiled Teams of the Year for the Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two, highlighting players whose performances stood out across the four divisions.
The awards remain one of the most respected individual honours in English football because the winners are chosen by the players themselves, giving the recipients recognition from the very professionals who shared the pitch with them throughout the season.
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